Method for delivering a support member to a native heart valve

ABSTRACT

A method includes advancing a delivery assembly through a patient&#39;s vasculature toward a native heart valve of the patient, wherein the delivery assembly comprises a first catheter assembly and a second catheter assembly extending through a shaft of the first catheter assembly, and wherein a support member is in an uncoiled, elongated configuration within a sheath of the first catheter assembly. The support member is deployed from the sheath by pushing the second catheter assembly distally relative to the first catheter assembly so that the support member is uncovered by the sheath and the support member extends around native chordae tendineae and/or native leaflets of the native heart valve. A prosthetic valve is implanted within the native leaflets of the native heart valve such that the native chordae tendineae and/or native leaflets are frictionally engaged between the support member and the prosthetic valve.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/249,580, filed Jan. 16, 2019, which is a divisional of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/481,554, filed Sep. 9, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No.10,195,028, which claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No.61/876,152, filed Sep. 10, 2013, and of U.S. Patent Application No.61/891,021, filed Oct. 15, 2013, and the entire disclosures of theforegoing applications are incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

This application relates to methods, systems, and apparatus for safelyreplacing native heart valves with prosthetic heart valves.

BACKGROUND

Prosthetic heart valves have been used for many years to treat cardiacvalvular disorders. The native heart valves (such as the aortic,pulmonary, and mitral valves) serve critical functions in assuring theforward flow of an adequate supply of blood through the cardiovascularsystem. These heart valves can be rendered less effective by congenital,inflammatory, or infectious conditions. Such conditions can eventuallylead to serious cardiovascular compromise or death. For many years thedefinitive treatment for such disorders was the surgical repair orreplacement of the valve during open heart surgery, but such surgeriesare dangerous and prone to complication.

More recently a transvascular technique has been developed forintroducing and implanting a prosthetic heart valve using a flexiblecatheter in a manner that is less invasive than open heart surgery. Inthis technique, a prosthetic valve is mounted in a crimped state on theend portion of a flexible catheter and advanced through a blood vesselof the patient until the valve reaches the implantation site. The valveat the catheter tip is then expanded to its functional size at the siteof the defective native valve, such as by inflating a balloon on whichthe valve is mounted. Alternatively, the valve can have a resilient,self-expanding stent or frame that expands the valve to its functionalsize when it is advanced from a delivery sheath at the distal end of thecatheter.

Balloon-expandable valves are commonly used for treating heart valvestenosis, a condition in which the leaflets of a valve (e.g., an aorticvalve) become hardened with calcium. The hardened leaflets provide agood support structure on which the valve can be anchored within thevalve annulus. Further, the catheter balloon can apply sufficientexpanding force to anchor the frame of the prosthetic valve to thesurrounding calcified tissue. There are several heart conditions,however, that do not involve hardened valve leaflets but which are stilldesirably treated by valve replacement. For example, aorticinsufficiency (or aortic regurgitation) occurs when an aortic valve doesnot close properly, allowing blood to flow back into the left ventricle.One cause for aortic insufficiency is a dilated aortic annulus, whichprevents the aortic valve from closing tightly. In such cases, theleaflets are usually too soft to provide sufficient support for aballoon-expandable prosthetic valve. Additionally, the diameter of theaortic annulus may continue to vary over time, making it dangerous toinstall a prosthetic valve that is not reliably secured in the valveannulus. Mitral insufficiency (or mitral regurgitation) involves thesesame conditions but affects the mitral valve.

Self-expanding prosthetic valves are sometimes used for replacingdefective native valves with noncalcified leaflets. Self-expandingprosthetic valves, however, suffer from a number of significantdrawbacks. For example, once a self-expanding prosthetic valve is placedwithin the patient's defective heart valve (e.g., the aorta or mitralvalve), it continues to exert an outward force on the valve annulus.This continuous outward pressure can cause the valve annulus to dilatefurther, exacerbating the condition the valve was intended to treat.Additionally, when implanting a self-expanding valve, the outwardbiasing force of the valve's frame tends to cause the valve to beejected very quickly from the distal end of a delivery sheath. Thismakes delivery of the valve very difficult and dangerous to the patient.

The size of the prosthetic valve to be implanted into a patient can alsobe problematic when treating aortic or mitral insufficiency.Specifically, the size of a prosthetic valve used to treat aortic ormitral insufficiency is typically larger than a prosthetic valve used totreat aortic or mitral stenosis. This larger valve size makes thedelivery procedure much more difficult and dangerous to the patient.

Accordingly, there exists a need for improved methods, systems, andapparatus for delivering expandable prosthetic heart valves (e.g.,balloon-expandable prosthetic valves). Embodiments of the methods,systems, and apparatus desirably can be used to replace native heartvalves that do not have calcified leaflets (e.g., aortic valvessuffering from aortic insufficiency). Furthermore, embodiments of themethods, systems, and apparatus desirably enable precise and controlleddelivery of the prosthetic valves.

SUMMARY

Disclosed below are representative embodiments of methods, systems, andapparatus used to replace deficient native heart valves with prostheticheart valves. Embodiments of the disclosed methods, systems, andapparatus can be used, for example, to replace a mitral valve sufferingfrom mitral insufficiency. These embodiments are not limiting, however,as the disclosed methods, systems, and apparatus can be more generallyapplied to replace any heart valve.

In certain embodiments, for example, a support structure is delivered toa position on or adjacent to the surface of the outflow side of a nativeheart valve of a patient, the support structure defining asupport-structure interior. An expandable prosthetic heart valve isdelivered into the native heart valve and into the support-structureinterior. The expandable prosthetic heart valve can be expanded whilethe expandable prosthetic heart valve is in the support-structureinterior and while the support structure is at the position on oradjacent to the surface of the outflow side of the native heart valve,thereby causing one or more native leaflets of the native heart valve tobe frictionally secured between the support structure and the expandedprosthetic heart valve. The expandable prosthetic heart valve can bedelivered from the inflow or the outflow side of the native heart valve.In certain embodiments, the native heart valve is a mitral valve or anaortic valve, and the act of delivering the expandable prosthetic heartvalve comprises delivering the prosthetic heart valve through the leftventricle of the patient's heart. In particular embodiments, the nativeheart valve is an aortic valve, the support structure is a supportstent, and the act of delivering the support structure comprisesadvancing a first catheter through the aortic arch of the patient sothat a distal end of the first catheter is near the aortic valve of thepatient (the first catheter at least partially enclosing astent-delivery catheter, an inner catheter, and the support stent in acompressed state) and advancing the stent-delivery catheter and theinner catheter through the first catheter, thereby causing the supportstent to be deployed from the distal end of the first catheter and toexpand into a decompressed state. In other particular embodiments, thenative heart valve is a mitral valve, the support structure is a supportband, and the act of delivering the support structure comprisesadvancing a first loop delivery catheter into the left ventricle of thepatient so that a first distal end of the first loop delivery catheterextends around a first portion of the chordae tendineae, advancing asecond loop delivery catheter into the left ventricle of the patient sothat a second distal end of the second loop delivery catheter extendsaround a second portion of the chordae tendineae and so that the seconddistal end of the second loop delivery catheter is adjacent to the firstdistal end of the first loop delivery catheter, advancing a support bandmaterial through an interior of the first loop delivery catheter and aninterior of the second loop delivery catheter, attaching a lockingmember to portions of the support band material, and advancing thelocking member along the portions of the support band material and intothe left ventricle of the patient, thereby forming the support bandaround the chordae tendineae. In certain embodiments, the act ofdelivering the support structure comprises guiding the support structureto the position on or adjacent to the surface of the outflow side of thenative heart valve and into a desired orientation, wherein the desiredorientation aligns peaks of the support structure with either the tipsor the commissures of the one or more native leaflets. In furtherembodiments, the support structure is disconnected from at least adelivery catheter once the one or more native leaflets of the nativeheart valve are frictionally secured between the support structure andthe expanded prosthetic heart valve. The disconnecting can be performedby retracting an inner catheter relative to a stent-delivery catheter,thereby retracting inner prongs coupled to the inner catheter fromcorresponding apertures in retaining arms of the support stent.Alternatively, the disconnecting can be performed by cutting throughmaterial used to form the support structure, thereby releasing thesupport structure from a catheter. In certain embodiments, the act ofexpanding the expandable prosthetic heart valve comprises inflating aballoon of a balloon catheter, the expandable prosthetic heart valvebeing disposed around the balloon of the balloon catheter.

In other exemplary methods disclosed herein, a guide catheter isadvanced through the aortic arch of a patient so that a distal end ofthe guide catheter is near the aortic valve of the patient. In theseembodiments, the guide catheter at least partially encloses astent-delivery catheter and a compressed support stent releasablyconnected to the stent-delivery catheter. The stent-delivery catheter isadvanced through the guide catheter, thereby causing the support stentto be deployed from the distal end of the guide catheter and to becomeuncompressed. The uncompressed support stent is positioned adjacent toor on a surface of the aortic side of the aortic valve such that theleaflets of the aortic valve are circumscribed by the uncompressedsupport stent. The uncompressed support stent can then be disconnectedfrom the stent-delivery catheter. In certain embodiments, to disconnectthe support stent from the stent-delivery catheter, an inner catheterpositioned in the interior of the stent-delivery catheter can beretracted, causing an inner prong attached to the inner catheter towithdraw from an aperture associated with the support stent, and/or atleast one prong attached to the stent-delivery catheter can bedisconnected from the support stent.

Other exemplary embodiments disclosed herein include apparatus forsecuring a prosthetic valve to a native heart valve. For example,certain embodiments comprise a support stent having an annular body thatdefines one or more peaks and one or more valleys along itscircumference. The support stent can be radially compressible and selfexpandable. The support stent can be sized such that it can bepositioned within the aorta of a patient at a location adjacent to theaortic valve and thereby circumscribe the aortic valve. The supportstent can further comprise at least one retaining arm comprises anaperture at or near a respective one of the peaks. In particularembodiments, the support stent is formed from a single annular member.In some embodiments, the support stent consists of three peaks and threevalleys. The shape formed by the three peaks and the three valleys canapproximate the shape of the leaflets of the aortic valve when theaortic valve is fully opened. In certain embodiments, a projection ofthe annular body onto a first plane is ring shaped or starfish shaped,and the annular body defines the one or more peaks and the one or morevalleys in a direction perpendicular to the first plane. For example,the annular body can be sinusoidal or saw-tooth shaped along itscircumference. Certain embodiments further comprise a stent deliverycatheter having an outer fork that includes one or more outer prongs. Atleast one of the outer prongs can comprise an aperture that is sized toreceive at least a portion of one of the retaining arms of the supportstent. An inner catheter can be positioned in an interior of thestent-delivery catheter and have an inner fork. The inner fork cancomprise one or more inner prongs, and at least one of the inner prongscan be insertable through the aperture of the one of the retaining armswhen the one of the retaining arms has been at least partially insertedthrough the aperture of a respective one of the outer prongs.

Other exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are systems for deliveringa support frame for securing a prosthetic valve in a patient's nativeheart valve. Exemplary embodiments of the system comprise a guidecatheter, a frame-delivery catheter positioned in the interior of theguide catheter, an inner catheter positioned in the interior of theframe-delivery catheter, and an expandable support frame positioned inthe interior of the guide catheter in a radially compressed state. Adistal end of the frame-delivery catheter can have an outer fork portionthat comprises a plurality of flexible outer prongs. A distal end of theinner catheter can have an inner fork portion that comprises a pluralityof flexible inner prongs. The expandable support frame can comprise aplurality of retaining arms, which can be releasably connected tocorresponding ones of the outer prongs of the outer fork portion andcorresponding ones of the inner prongs of the inner fork portion. Theexpandable support frame can be generally annular and comprise shapedportions configured to frictionally secure native leaflets of apatient's heart valve against an exterior surface of a prosthetic valvewhen the patient's heart valve has been replaced by the prostheticvalve. Alternatively, the expandable support frame can comprise a mainbody and a U-shaped lip that surrounds a bottom region of the supportframe, the U-shaped lip having a diameter that is greater than adiameter of the main body. In particular embodiments, the guidecatheter, frame-delivery catheter, and the inner catheter are axiallyslidable relative to one another. In some embodiments, the retainingarms of the expandable support frame comprise respective retaining armapertures through which the corresponding ones of the inner prongs areinserted. The corresponding ones of the outer prongs can comprise, forexample, respective outer prong apertures through which the respectiveretaining arms are inserted. In certain embodiments, the correspondingones of the outer prongs and the corresponding ones of the inner prongsof the inner fork portion are configured such that relative retractionof either the corresponding ones of the inner prongs or thecorresponding ones of the outer prongs causes release of the respectiveretaining arms.

Another disclosed embodiment is an apparatus comprising a support stenthaving an annular main body portion and a generally U-shaped rim portionat one end of the main body portion. The support stent of thisembodiment is radially compressible into a compressed state and selfexpandable into an uncompressed state. Furthermore, the rim portion hasa diameter that is greater than a diameter of the annular main bodyportion and that is sized so that an outer perimeter of the rim portionwill engage the walls surrounding the aortic valve of a patient when thesupport stent is positioned within the aorta of the patient at alocation adjacent to the aortic valve. In some embodiments, the supportstent is made of a shape-memory alloy. In certain embodiments, theannular main body portion is sinusoidal or saw-tooth shaped along itscircumference. In some embodiments, the rim portion is located around abottom region of the main body portion. In certain embodiments, thesupport stent is made of multiple elements forming a criss-crosspattern. In particular embodiments, the apparatus further comprises atleast one retaining arm at or near a top region of the main bodyportion.

In another disclosed embodiment, a distal end of a first deliverycatheter is advanced into the left ventricle of a patient so that adistal portion of the first delivery catheter substantiallycircumscribes a first half of the patient's chordae tendineae. A distalend of a second delivery catheter is advanced into the left ventricle ofthe patient so that a distal portion of the second delivery cathetersubstantially circumscribes a second half of the patient's chordaetendineae and so that a distal end of the second delivery cathetercontacts a distal end of the first delivery catheter, thereby forming adelivery catheter junction. A support band material is advanced throughone of the first delivery catheter or the second delivery catheter,across the delivery catheter junction, and into the other one of thefirst delivery catheter or the second delivery catheter. The firstdelivery catheter and the second delivery catheter are retracted fromthe left ventricle of the patient. In certain embodiments, the distalend of the first delivery catheter and the distal end of the seconddelivery catheter are advanced through a puncture in the left ventricle.In other embodiments, the distal end of the first delivery catheter andthe distal end of the second delivery catheter are advanced through theaorta of the patient. In some embodiments, the distal end of the firstdelivery catheter magnetically engages the distal end of the seconddelivery catheter. In some embodiments, a first steerable sheath and asecond steerable sheath are advanced into the left ventricle. In theseembodiments, the act of advancing the distal end of the first deliverycatheter into the left ventricle comprises advancing the distal end ofthe first delivery catheter through an interior of the first steerablesheath, and the act of advancing the distal end of the second deliverycatheter into the left ventricle comprises advancing the distal end ofthe second delivery catheter through an interior of the second steerablesheath. In certain embodiments, an introducer sheath is advanced intothe left ventricle through a puncture in the left ventricle. In theseembodiments, the act of advancing the first steerable sheath and thesecond steerable sheath into the left ventricle comprises advancing thefirst steerable sheath and the second steerable sheath through theintroducer sheath. In some embodiments, a locking member is attached toportions of the support band material and advanced over the portions ofthe support band material, thereby adjusting a diameter of a loop formedby the support band material and the locking member and surrounding thechordae tendineae. The act of advancing the locking member over theportions of the support band material can be performed using a pushertube. In some embodiments, the loop formed by the support band materialand the locking member can be positioned around the outflow side of themitral valve. An expandable prosthetic heart valve can be advanced intothe mitral valve and the interior of the loop formed by the support bandmaterial and the locking member while the prosthetic heart valve is in acompressed state. The expandable prosthetic heart valve can be expandedinto an uncompressed state, thereby causing one or more native leafletsof the mitral valve to be frictionally secured between the loop and theexpandable prosthetic heart valve. Portions of the support band materialthat do not form part of the loop can be severed, thereby releasing theloop.

In another disclosed embodiment, a partial loop is formed around thechordae tendineae of a patient's heart with a cord of biocompatiblematerial. A locking member is attached to portions of the cord ofbiocompatible material. The locking member is advanced toward thechordae tendineae along the portions of the cord of biocompatiblematerial, thereby decreasing a diameter of a loop formed by the cord ofbiocompatible material and the locking member. In certain embodiments,an expandable prosthetic heart valve is positioned into the interior ofthe patient's mitral valve, the loop formed by the cord of biocompatiblematerial and the locking member is positioned around an outflow side ofthe patient's mitral valve so that the native leaflets of the mitralvalve open into the interior of the loop, and the expandable prostheticheart valve is expanded, thereby causing an exterior surface of theexpandable prosthetic heart valve to urge the native leaflets of themitral valve against an interior surface of the loop and to frictionallysecure the expandable prosthetic heart valve to the native leaflets ofthe mitral valve. In some embodiments, portions of the cord ofbiocompatible material are cut in order to release the loop formed bythe cord of biocompatible material and the locking member. In certainembodiments, an expandable prosthetic heart valve is advanced into theinterior of the patient's mitral valve and expanded. The exterior of theexpandable prosthetic heart valve can comprise one or more fasteningmechanisms configured to engage the native leaflets of the mitral valveand at least temporarily secure the expandable prosthetic heart to thenative leaflets. In certain implementations of these embodiments, theloop formed by the cord of biocompatible material and the locking memberis positioned around an outflow side of the patient's mitral valve sothat the loop circumscribes the native leaflets of the mitral valve andthe expanded prosthetic heart valve. In these embodiments, the act ofadvancing the locking member can decrease the diameter of the loopformed by the cord of biocompatible material and the locking member to adiameter that causes the expanded prosthetic heart valve to befrictionally secured to the native leaflets of the mitral valve. Incertain particular embodiments, the locking member is locked at adesired position along the portions of the support band material,thereby forming a support band having a substantially fixed diameter. Insome embodiments, the locking member can be unlocked, and the locationof the locking member adjusted along the portions of the support bandmaterial. In certain embodiments, the act of forming the partial looparound the chordae tendineae of the patient's heart is performed usingone or more delivery catheters inserted through the aortic arch of thepatient. In other embodiments, the act of forming the partial looparound the chordae tendineae of the patient's heart is performed usingone or more delivery catheters inserted through a puncture in the leftventricle of the patient.

Another disclosed embodiment is a system that comprises a first deliverycatheter having a first distal end region and a first distal end, asecond delivery catheter having a second distal end region and a seconddistal end, and an introducer sheath defining an interior that isconfigured to receive the first delivery catheter and the seconddelivery catheter. In these embodiments, the first distal end region issteerable into a first semi-circular shape, the second distal end regionis steerable into a second semi-circular shape, the first distal end hasa first magnetic polarity, and the second distal end has a secondmagnetic polarity opposite the first magnetic polarity. In certainembodiments, the introducer sheath is rigid and is sized for insertionthrough a puncture in the left ventricle of a patient. In otherembodiments, the introducer sheath is bendable and is sized forinsertion into the aortic arch of a patient. In some embodiments, thesystem further comprises a first catheter delivery sheath and a secondcatheter delivery sheath. In these embodiments, the first catheterdelivery sheath defines a first interior configured to receive the firstdelivery catheter and has a first distal sheath region that naturallyassumes a first arced shape. Further, the second catheter deliverysheath defines a second interior configured to receive the seconddelivery catheter and has a second distal sheath region that naturallyassumes a second arced shape. In these embodiments, the interior of theintroducer sheath is further configured to receive the first catheterdelivery sheath, the second catheter delivery sheath, the first deliverycatheter, and the second delivery catheter. In certain embodiments, thefirst catheter delivery sheath and the second catheter delivery sheathare manufactured at least in part from a shape-memory alloy.

Another disclosed embodiment is a system comprising a pusher tubedefining a first pusher tube lumen and a second pusher tube lumen and alocking member defining a first locking member lumen and a secondlocking member lumen. In these embodiments, the first and second pushertube lumens are sized to receive respective portions of a cord ofmaterial, and the first and second locking member lumens are also sizedto receive the respective portions of the cord and are furtherconfigured to allow movement of the locking member in a first directionalong the respective portions of the cord when pushed by the pusher tubebut prevent movement of the locking member in a second directionopposite the first direction along the respective portions of the cord.In certain embodiments, the pusher tube further comprises a rotatablecutting element located at a distal end of the pusher tube, therotatable cutting element being controllable from a proximal region ofthe pusher tube. In some embodiments, the first locking member lumen andthe second locking member lumen each comprise one or more angled collarsor teeth. In certain embodiments, the system further comprises anintroducer sheath having an introducer sheath interior through which thepusher tube and the locking member are advanceable. In some embodiments,the system further comprises a prosthetic-heart-valve-delivery catheter.In these embodiments, the introducer sheath interior is furtherconfigured to simultaneously receive the pusher tube and theprosthetic-heart-valve-delivery catheter.

Another disclosed embodiment is a system comprising a locking memberconfigured to receive two portions of a cord of biocompatible materialand to secure the two portions in a desired position relative to oneanother, an adjustment tool configured to position the locking memberinto the desired position and to engage a locking mechanism in thelocking member that secures the locking member to the two portions atthe desired position, a balloon catheter on which an expandableprosthetic heart valve is disposed, and an introducer sheath defining aninterior in which the adjustment tool and the balloon catheter can besimultaneously located. In certain embodiments, the adjustment tool isfurther configured to disengage the locking mechanism in the lockingmember, thereby unlocking the locking member from the two portions ofthe cord. In particular embodiments, the locking member comprises a pinmember and a ring member. The pin member can have a first end, a secondend, and openings for receiving the two portions of the cord, and thering member can have openings for receiving the two portions of the cordand be configured to receive at least a portion of the first end of thepin member. In some embodiments, the adjustment tool comprises a forkmember positioned at a distal end of the adjustment tool, an inner pushmember, and an outer push member. In these embodiments, the inner pushmember can be contained within a lumen of the adjustment tool and theouter push member can have a greater diameter than the inner push memberand surround at least a portion of the inner push member.

Another disclosed embodiment comprises a support band having an annularbody that defines a support band interior. The support band of thisembodiment is formed from a biocompatible material having a first endthat is secured to an opposite second end via a locking mechanism. Thesupport band of this embodiment is sized such that it can be positionedadjacent to the outflow side of the mitral valve of a patient andthereby circumscribes the native leaflets of the mitral valve. Moreover,the support band interior has a fixed diameter when the first end issecured to the second end such that when an expandable prosthetic heartvalve is expanded within the mitral valve and within the support bandinterior, the native leaflets of the mitral valve become pinched betweenthe expandable prosthetic heart valve and the support band, therebyfrictionally securing the expandable prosthetic heart valve to themitral valve. In certain embodiments, the first end of the support bandhas a larger diameter than the second end, and the first end of thesupport band defines an interior into which the second end can beinserted and secured by the locking mechanism. In some embodiments, thelocking mechanism comprises a snap-fit connection formed between thefirst end and the second end of the support band. In certainembodiments, the locking mechanism comprises a locking member having afirst lumen configured to receive the first end of the support band anda second lumen configured to receive the second end of the support band,the first lumen and the second lumen each comprising one or more angledteeth or collars that allow movement of the locking mechanism along thesupport band in only a single direction. In some embodiments, thelocking mechanism comprises a multi-element mechanism that can beselectively locked to and unlocked from the first end and the second endof the support band. In certain embodiments, one or more clamps arepositioned on the support band. In some embodiments, the lockingmechanism comprises a magnetic connection formed between the first endand the second end of the support band.

In another disclosed embodiment, a prosthetic heart valve is deliveredinto an interior of a native heart valve and expanded. A support band isdelivered to a position on or adjacent to the surface of the outflowside of the native heart valve such that an interior of the support bandsurrounds at least a portion of the prosthetic heart valve and at leasta portion of one or more native leaflets of the native heart valve. Thediameter of the support band may be adjusted until the one or morenative leaflets of the native heart valve are frictionally securedbetween the support band and the prosthetic heart valve. The prostheticheart valve can be an expandable prosthetic heart valve and expandedonce it is delivered into the interior of the native heart valve. Thesupport band can be formed from a shape-memory metal or cord of supportband material and an adjustable locking member through which portions ofthe cord extend. During delivery of the support band, the support bandcan be disconnected from at least a delivery catheter once the one ormore native leaflets of the native heart valve are frictionally securedbetween the support band and the prosthetic heart valve (e.g., bycutting through material used to form the support band).

In another disclosed embodiment a support member is advanced so that thesupport member at least partially surrounds native leaflets of a heartvalve. The support member includes a locking member coupled to aproximal end of the support member. A distal end of the support memberis advanced to engage the locking member and couple the distal end ofthe support member to the locking member to form a closed loop supportband that at least partially surrounds the native leaflets. A prostheticheart valve is expanded inside the closed loop support band so that thenative leaflets are in contact with an outside surface of the prostheticdevice and an inside surface of the support band. In certainembodiments, the support member comprises an internal lumen. The act ofadvancing the support member can include advancing a guidewire to anoutflow side of a mitral valve, advancing the guidewire at leastpartially surround the native leaflets, and advancing the internal lumenof the support member over the guidewire. In certain embodiments, theact of advancing the internal lumen of the support member comprisesadvancing a proximal end of the locking member using a pusher tube. Inother embodiments, the act of advancing the guidewire to at leastpartially surround the native leaflets comprises advancing a precurvedcatheter out of a delivery catheter, advancing the guidewire out of theprecurved catheter, and advancing the guidewire in the generallycircular shape until the guidewire at least partially surrounds theleaflets. The precurved catheter is configured to bend in apredetermined manner when it is advanced out of the delivery catheterand the guidewire is precurved so that it will bend to form a generallycircular shape when advanced from the precurved catheter. In certainembodiments, the guidewire forms a circular shape that is in a planethat is generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the deliverycatheter. In other embodiments, a snare catheter is advanced out of thedelivery catheter to capture a distal end of the guidewire and pull thedistal end of the guidewire into a receiving area of the locking member.The receiving area can be configured to receive and engage the distalend of the support member. In certain embodiments, the native heartvalve can be a mitral valve and the act of advancing the support memberso that the support member at least partially surrounds the nativeleaflets comprises advancing the support member to at least partiallysurround chordae tendineae associated with both native leaflets of themitral valve. In other embodiments, the support member is deliveredpercutaneously and the prosthetic heart valve is deliveredtransapically. In still other embodiments, the support member andprosthetic heart valve are delivered transapically. In some embodiments,the locking member comprises a receiving area and the act of advancingthe distal end of the support member to engage the locking membercomprises advancing the distal end of the support member into thereceiving area and securing the distal end of the support member in thereceiving area. In certain embodiments, the distal end of the supportmember comprises a nose cone with a grooved section and the act ofsecuring the distal end of the support member comprises advancing thegrooved section of the nose cone until a biased tab member engages thegrooved section of the nose cone to restrict proximal movement of thenose cone relative to the locking member.

In other embodiments, a support band is provided for at least partiallysurrounding native leaflets of a heart valve to facilitate the securingof a prosthetic device in the valve annulus by frictionally engaging thenative leaflets between the support band and the prosthetic valve. Thesupport band comprises an elongate support member having a proximal endand a distal end and a locking member coupled to the proximal end of thesupport member. The locking member can have a receiving area and asecuring member. The securing member can be configured to restrictproximal movement of the distal end of the support member relative tothe locking member when the distal end of the support member is advancedinto the receiving area. In certain embodiments, the securing membercomprises a lumen extending along its length to receive a guidewiretherethrough. In other embodiments, the securing member comprises a tabmember that is biased to at least partially extend into the receivingarea and engage a distal end of the support member. In otherembodiments, the distal end of the support member comprises a nose conewith a grooved section, with the grooved section being configured tomate with the tab member when the nose cone is received in the receivingarea of the locking member.

In another embodiment, a delivery system for encircling native leafletsof a heart valve to deliver a support band that at least partiallysurrounds the native leaflets is provided. The system may comprise adelivery catheter with a lumen of a first diameter, a precurved catheterwith a lumen and an outer diameter that is smaller than the firstdiameter, and a precurved guidewire receivable in the lumen of theprecurved catheter. The precurved catheter is receivable in the lumen ofthe delivery catheter and is biased to return to a predetermined curvedconfiguration when it is advanced out of an opening in the deliverycatheter. The precurved guidewire is biased to return to a predeterminedcurved configuration when it is advanced out of the precurved catheter.In some embodiments, the precurved catheter has a first bending sectionat its distal end and a second bending section proximal to the firstbending section. When the first and second bending sections are advancedout of the delivery catheter, the first bending section is in a planethat is generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the deliverycatheter and the second bending section is in a plane that is at anangle of less than 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of thedelivery catheter. In other embodiments, when the precurved guidewire isadvanced out of the precurved catheter, the precurved guidewire forms agenerally circular shape that is in the same general plane as the firstbending section of the precurved catheter. In other embodiments, thesystem further comprises a support band that has an elongate supportmember and a locking member. The elongate support member has a lumen forreceiving the guidewire, and the locking member is coupled to a proximalend of the support member and has a receiving area for receiving thedistal end of the support member. In certain embodiments, the lockingmember further comprises a securing member to secure the distal end ofthe support member in the receiving area. The securing member cancomprise a tab member that is biased to at least partially extend intothe receiving area and engage the distal end of the support member. Incertain embodiments, the distal end of the support member can comprise anose cone with a grooved section, with the grooved section beingconfigured to mate with the tab member when the nose cone is received inthe receiving area of the locking member.

Also disclosed herein are embodiments of a support member comprising aflexible body having magnetic end portions that magnetically connect toone another when approximated. A support member having magnetic endportions can be delivered similarly to other support member embodiments,including but not limited to direct delivery out of a catheter, deliveryover a standard or pre-curved guidewire, delivery over a standard orpre-curved catheter or via surgical implantation. One of the magneticend portions can be configured to be placed into a receiving area of theother magnetic end portion.

Also disclosed are embodiments of a support member comprising anelongated main body, a first end portion, and a second end portion. Thefirst end portion and the second end portion are configured to beconnected to each other such that the support member forms a ringsurrounding the native leaflets. The main body comprises a first portionand a second portion, the first portion being positioned to contact thenative leaflets when the support member is formed into the ringextending around the native leaflets, the first portion being relativelymore distensible than the second portion.

According to another disclosed embodiment, a method, comprisingadvancing a support member so that the support member at least partiallysurrounds native leaflets of a heart valve, the support membercomprising a proximal end and a distal end, and then connecting theproximal end to the distal end through a magnetic connection to form asupport ring. A prosthetic heart valve is then expanded inside thesupport ring so that the native leaflets are in contact with an outsidesurface of the prosthetic device and an inside surface of the supportring.

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of thedisclosed technology will become more apparent from the followingdetailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanyingfigures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a supportstructure according to the disclosed technology.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a native aortic valve with thesupport structure of FIG. 1 positioned therein.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective views of an exemplary delivery system forthe support structure of FIG. 1 . In particular, FIG. 3 shows thedelivery system before the support structure is deployed, and FIG. 4shows the delivery system after the support structure is deployed.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the components of the exemplary deliverysystem shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 .

FIG. 6 is a zoomed-in perspective view showing the mechanism forreleasably connecting the support structure to the exemplary deliverysystem of FIGS. 3 and 4 .

FIGS. 7 and 8 are cross-sectional views of a patient's heartillustrating how the delivery system of FIGS. 3 and 4 can operate todeploy the support structure of FIG. 1 to a desired position on thepatient's aortic valve.

FIGS. 9-13 are cross-sectional views of a patient's heart illustratinghow an exemplary transcatheter heart valve (“THV”) can be deployed tothe patient's aortic valve and frictionally secured to the nativeleaflets using the support structure of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of asupport structure according to the disclosed technology.

FIG. 15 is a top view of the support structure embodiment shown in FIG.14

FIG. 16 is a side view of the support structure embodiment shown in FIG.14 .

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a patient's heart illustrating howa delivery system can operate to deploy the support structure of FIG. 14to a desired position on the patient's aortic valve.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a patient's heart illustrating howan exemplary THV can be deployed through the aortic arch and into thepatient's aortic valve, where it can be frictionally secured to thenative leaflets using the support structure of FIG. 14 .

FIGS. 19-27 are cross-sectional view of a patient's heart illustratinghow an exemplary support band can be deployed around the native leafletsof a patient's mitral valve and used to secure a THV to the nativeleaflets of the mitral valve. In FIGS. 19-27 , the support band isdeployed using a transapical approach.

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of a patient's heart illustrating howan exemplary support band as in FIGS. 19-27 can be deployed through theaortic arch.

FIG. 29 is a top view of an exemplary locking member that can be used tosecure portions of a cord of support band material to one another andthereby form a loop.

FIG. 30 is a top view of another exemplary locking member that can beused to secure portions of a cord of support band material to oneanother and thereby form a loop.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of an exemplary adjustment tool (or pushertube) that can be used in connection with the locking member of FIG. 30.

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional side view of the exemplary locking memberof FIG. 30 .

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional side view of the exemplary adjustment toolof FIG. 31 .

FIGS. 34-37 are cross-sectional views illustrating how the exemplaryadjustment tool of FIG. 31 can be used to adjust, lock, and unlock theexemplary locking member of FIG. 30 .

FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional perspective view of another exemplarylocking member that can be used to secure portions of a cord of supportband material to one another and thereby form a loop.

FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an exemplary pushertube that can be used in connection with the exemplary locking member ofFIG. 38 .

FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view of a patient's heart illustrating thedelivery of a guide wire into a left ventricle.

FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view of a patient's heart illustrating aguide wire positioned to at least partially surround leaflets of anative valve.

FIG. 42A is a cross-sectional view of a patient's heart illustrating thedelivery of a support member over a guide wire.

FIG. 42B is an enlarged view of a locking member shown in FIG. 42A.

FIG. 43 is an enlarged view of a support band formed by a locking memberand a support member.

FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view of the locking member shown in FIG. 43, taken along line 44-44.

FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view of a patient's heart illustrating theuse of a support band that at least partially surrounds the nativeleaflets in combination with an expandable THV.

FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view of a patient's heart illustrating theuse of a support band that at least partially surrounds the nativeleaflets, shown with a THV expanded with the support band.

FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional view of the support band and THV shown inFIG. 46 , with the guide wire removed.

FIG. 48 is a view of a precurved catheter exiting a distal end of adelivery catheter (e.g., a pushing member and a locking membercombination).

FIG. 49 is a view of the device of FIG. 48 , shown with a precurvedguide exiting a distal end of the precurved catheter shown in FIG. 48 .

FIG. 50 illustrates the precurved guide wire of FIG. 49 furtheradvancing out of the precurved catheter.

FIG. 51 illustrates the precurved guide wire of FIG. 50 furtheradvancing out of the precurved catheter.

FIG. 52 illustrates the precurved guide wire of FIG. 51 furtheradvancing out of the precurved catheter, and forming a generallycircular loop.

FIG. 53 is a cross-sectional view of a patient's heart illustrating thedelivery of a precurved guide wire at least partially around the nativeleaflets.

FIG. 54 is a cross-sectional view of a patient's heart illustrating thedelivery of a precurved guide wire at least partially around the nativeleaflets, and a snare catheter to capture the distal end of theprecurved guide wire.

FIG. 55 is a cross-sectional view of a patient's heart illustrating asupport member delivered over the precurved guide wire shown in FIG. 54and locked into a support band.

FIG. 56 illustrates a delivery system for delivering a support member atleast partially around native leaflets of a heart valve.

FIG. 57 illustrates a delivery system for delivering a support member atleast partially around native leaflets of a heart valve.

FIG. 58 illustrates a support member for at least partially surroundingnative leaflets of a heart valve.

FIG. 59 illustrates a delivery system for delivering a support member atleast partially around native leaflets of a heart valve.

FIG. 60 illustrates the delivery system of FIG. 59 as it forms a closedloop support band.

FIG. 61 illustrates another embodiment of a support member for at leastpartially surrounding native leaflets of a heart valve

FIG. 62 illustrates a delivery system for delivering a support member atleast partially around native leaflets of a heart valve.

FIG. 63 illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the delivery systemof FIG. 62 .

FIGS. 64A-64E illustrate the deployment of a support member to at leastpartially surround native leaflets of a heart valve.

FIG. 65 illustrates a prosthetic heart valve deployed within a supportmember that at least partially surrounds native leaflets of a heartvalve.

FIG. 66 illustrates an open-frame configuration of a support member.

FIGS. 67A and 67B illustrate an embodiment of a support membercomprising magnetic end portions.

FIGS. 68A and 68B illustrate another embodiment of a support membercomprising magnetic end portions.

FIGS. 69A and 69B illustrate another embodiment of a support membercomprising magnetic end portions.

FIGS. 70A and 70B illustrate another embodiment of a support membercomprising magnetic end portions.

FIG. 71 illustrates another embodiment of a support member comprisingmagnetic end portions.

FIG. 72 illustrates another embodiment of a support member comprisingmagnetic end portions.

FIGS. 73A and 73B illustrate another embodiment of a support membercomprising magnetic end portions.

FIG. 74 illustrates another embodiment of a support member comprisingmagnetic end portions.

FIG. 75 illustrates another embodiment of a support member comprisingmagnetic end portions.

FIG. 76A is a cross-sectional view of a textile-wrapped support member,according to another embodiment.

FIG. 76B is a cross-sectional view of a modification of the supportmember of FIG. 76A.

FIG. 77 is a cross-sectional view of a textile-wrapped support member,according to another embodiment.

FIG. 78 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a textilewrapped support member.

FIG. 79 is a cross-sectional side view of a support member comprising aninflatable balloon.

FIG. 80 is a side view of the end portions of a support membercomprising an inflatable balloon and magnetic end portions, one ofcomprises a filling nozzle that can be connected to a source of aninflating medium for inflating the balloon.

FIG. 81 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a supportmember.

FIG. 82 is a perspective view of another support member comprising aninflatable balloon and magnetic end portions.

FIG. 83 is a side view of the support member of FIG. 82 with the endportions shown in cross-section.

FIGS. 84 and 85 illustrate an embodiment of a support member that can beimplanted surgically.

FIG. 86 illustrates another embodiment of a support member that can beimplanted surgically.

FIG. 87 illustrates another embodiment of a support member that can beimplanted surgically.

FIG. 88 illustrates a percutaneous transfemoral delivery procedure of asupport member implanted around native leaflets of the mitral valve.

FIG. 89 is an enlarged perspective view of a distal end portion of adelivery catheter that can be used to deliver and deploy a supportmember in the manner shown in FIG. 88 .

FIG. 90 illustrates a transapical delivery procedure of a supportmember.

FIG. 91 a cross-sectional view of a patient's heart illustrating asupport member with magnetic end portions joined together to form a ringthat extends around the native leaflets of the mitral valve.

FIG. 92 illustrates an exemplary loop delivery system for delivering aguidewire around the native leaflets of a heart valve.

FIG. 93 is a perspective view of the distal end portion of the loopdelivery system shown in a position so that a guidewire can be deployedaround the native leaflets of the mitral valve.

FIG. 94 is a perspective view of the proximal portion of the loopdelivery system shown positioned in an introducer extending into apatient's vasculature and a snare catheter being inserted into theintroducer.

FIG. 95A is a perspective view similar to FIG. 93 showing a guidewiredeployed around the native mitral valve leaflets and having a distal endportion being captured by a snare catheter.

FIG. 95B is a zoomed-in view of the distal end of the guidewire beingcaptured by the snare catheter.

FIG. 96 is a side view of a cover catheter assembly of a ring deliverysystem that can be used to deliver a support member around the nativeleaflets of a heart valve.

FIG. 97 is a side view of a ring catheter assembly of the ring deliverysystem.

FIG. 98 is a side view of a stiffener catheter assembly of the ringdelivery system.

FIG. 99A is a side view of a twister catheter assembly of the ringdelivery system. FIG. 99B is an end view of the twister catheterassembly.

FIG. 100A illustrates a proximal portion of the exemplary ring deliverysystem in an assembled state.

FIG. 100B illustrates a distal portion of the exemplary ring deliverysystem in an assembled state.

FIG. 101 illustrates a support member deployed from a sheath of a ringdelivery system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION General Considerations

Disclosed below are representative embodiments of a support structure(sometimes referred to as a “support stent,” “support frame,” “supportband,” or “support loop”) that can be used to secure a prosthetic heartvalve within a native heart valve. For illustrative purposes,embodiments of the support structure are described as being used tosecure a transcatheter heart valve (“THV”) in the aortic valve or themitral valve of a heart. It should be understood that the disclosedsupport structure and THV can be configured for use with any other heartvalve as well. Also disclosed herein are exemplary methods and systemsfor deploying the support structure and corresponding THV. Although theexemplary methods and systems are mainly described in connection withreplacing an aortic or mitral valve, it should be understood that thedisclosed methods and systems can be adapted to deliver a supportstructure and THV to any heart valve.

For illustrative purposes, certain embodiments of the support structureare described as being used in connection with embodiments of theballoon-expandable THV described in U.S. Patent Application PublicationNo. 2007/0112422 A1 (U.S. application Ser. No. 11/280,063), which ishereby expressly incorporated herein by reference. It should beunderstood, however, that this particular usage is for illustrativepurposes only and should not be construed as limiting. Instead,embodiments of the disclosed support structure can be used to secure awide variety of THVs delivered through a variety of mechanisms (e.g.,self-expanding heart valves, other balloon-expanding heart valves, andthe like). For instance, any of the embodiments described in U.S. Pat.No. 6,730,118 can be used with embodiments of the disclosed supportstructure. U.S. Pat. No. 6,730,118 is hereby expressly incorporatedherein by reference. In addition, embodiments of support members,delivery systems, and methods of delivering support members to a heartvalve are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2011/0218620A1, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The described methods, systems, and apparatus should not be construed aslimiting in any way. Instead, the present disclosure is directed towardall novel and nonobvious features and aspects of the various disclosedembodiments, alone and in various combinations and sub-combinations withone another. The disclosed methods, systems, and apparatus are notlimited to any specific aspect, feature, or combination thereof, nor dothe disclosed methods, systems, and apparatus require that any one ormore specific advantages be present or problems be solved.

Although the operations of some of the disclosed methods are describedin a particular, sequential order for convenient presentation, it shouldbe understood that this manner of description encompasses rearrangement,unless a particular ordering is required by specific language set forthbelow. For example, operations described sequentially may in some casesbe rearranged or performed concurrently. Moreover, for the sake ofsimplicity, the attached figures may not show the various ways in whichthe disclosed methods, systems, and apparatus can be used in conjunctionwith other systems, methods, and apparatus.

Exemplary Embodiments for Replacing Aortic Valves

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an exemplary embodiment of asupport stent or frame 10. Support stent 10 has a generally annular ortoroidal body formed from a suitable shape-memory metal or alloy, suchas spring steel, Elgiloy®, or nitinol. Desirably, the material fromwhich the support stent 10 is fabricated allows the support stent toautomatically expand to its functional size and shape when deployed butalso allows the support stent to be radially compressed to a smallerprofile for delivery through the patient's vasculature. In otherembodiments, however, the stent is not self expanding. In theseembodiments, and as more fully explained below, other mechanisms forexpanding the stent can be used (e.g., a balloon catheter).

In the illustrated embodiment, the projection of the support stent 10onto an x-y plane has a generally annular or toroidal shape. Theillustrated support stent 10 further defines a number of peaks andvalleys (or crests and troughs) along its circumference. For example,the support stent 10 is sinusoidally shaped in the z-direction. In otherembodiments, the support stent 10 is shaped differently in thez-direction (e.g., saw-tooth-shaped, ringlet-shaped, square-wave shaped,or otherwise shaped to include peaks and valleys).

The illustrated support stent 10 includes three peaks 20, 22, 24 andthree valleys 30, 32, 34. In the illustrated embodiment, the peaks 20,22, 24 are positioned above the valleys 30, 32, 34 in the z-direction.In some embodiments, the peaks have greater radii than the valleys 30,32, 34, or vice versa. For instance, in some embodiments, the projectionof the support stent 10 onto an x-y plane forms a closed shape having avariable radius (e.g., a starfish shape).

The size of the support stent 10 can vary from implementation toimplementation. In particular embodiments, the support stent 10 is sizedsuch that the support stent can be positioned within the aorta of apatient at a location adjacent to the aortic valve, therebycircumscribing the aortic valve. Furthermore, in order to frictionallysecure a prosthetic heart valve in its interior, certain embodiments ofthe support stent 10 have a diameter that is equal to or smaller thanthe diameter of the prosthetic heart valve when fully expanded. Inparticular embodiments, for instance, the support stent can have aninner or outer diameter between 10 and 50 mm (e.g., between 17 and 28mm) and a height between 5 and 35 mm (e.g., between 8 and 18 mm).Furthermore, the thickness of the annular body of the support stent 10may vary from embodiment to embodiment, but in certain embodiments isbetween 0.3 and 1.2 mm.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the exemplary support stent 10positioned on the surface of an outflow side of a native aortic valveand further illustrates the shape of the support stent. In particular,it can be seen from FIG. 2 that the valleys 30, 32, 34 of the supportstent 10 are shaped so that they can be placed adjacent to commissures50, 52, 54 of the native leaflets 60, 62, 64 of the aortic valve.Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the peaks 20, 22, 24 areshaped so that they generally approximate or mirror the size and shapeof the leaflets 60, 62, 64 but are slightly smaller and lower than theheight of the leaflets 60, 62, 64 at their tips when the aortic valve isfully opened. In other embodiments, the peaks 20, 22, 24 are oriented sothat they are adjacent to the commissures 50, 52, 54 of the nativeleaflets 60, 62, 64 and the valleys are opposite the apexes of theleaflets 60, 62, 64. The support stent 10 can be positioned in any otherorientation within the aortic valve as well.

It should be understood that the shape of the support stent or frame 10can vary from implementation to implementation. For example, in someembodiments, the support stent is not sinusoidal or otherwise shaped inthe z-plane. In other embodiments, the support stent is shaped as acylindrical band or sleeve. In general, the support stent or frame canbe any shape that defines an interior through which a THV can beinserted, thereby causing the native leaflets of the aortic valve (orother heart valve) to be pinched or securely held between the supportstent and the THV. Furthermore, the support stent can have a morecomplex structure. For example, although the support stent illustratedin FIGS. 1 and 2 is formed from a single annular member (or strut), thesupport stent can comprise multiple annular elements that interlock orare otherwise connected to one another (e.g., via multiple longitudinalmembers).

Returning to FIG. 1 , the illustrated support stent 10 also includeretaining arms 21, 23, 25 that can be used to help position and deploythe support stent 10 into its proper location relative to the nativeaortic valve. The retaining arms 21, 23, 25 can have respectiveapertures 26, 27, 28. An exemplary deployment system and procedure fordeploying the support stent 10 using the retaining arms 21, 23, 25 aredescribed in more detail below. The support stent 10 can also have oneor more barbs located on its surface. Such barbs allow the support stent10 to be more securely affixed to the tissue surrounding the stent orthe leaflets of the aorta.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are side views of the distal end portion of an exemplarydelivery apparatus 100 for delivering the support stent 10 to itslocation adjacent the native aortic valve through a patient'svasculature. In particular, FIG. 3 shows the delivery apparatus when thesupport stent 10 is in a compressed, predeployed state, whereas FIG. 4shows the delivery apparatus when the support stent 10 is in adecompressed, deployed state. The delivery apparatus 100 comprises aguide catheter 102 having an elongated shaft 104, whose distal end 105is open in the illustrated embodiment. In other embodiments, the distalend 105 of the guide catheter 102 can be tapered into a conical shapecomprising multiple “flaps” forming a protective nose cone that can beurged apart when the support stent 10 and any interior catheters areadvanced therethrough. Furthermore, for illustrative purposes, the guidecatheter 102 is shown as being partially cut away, thus revealing thecatheters in its interior.

A proximal end (not shown) of the guide catheter 102 is connected to ahandle of the delivery apparatus 100. During delivery of a supportstent, the handle can be used by a surgeon to advance and retract thedelivery apparatus through the patient's vasculature. In a particularuse, the delivery apparatus 100 is advanced through the aortic arch of apatient's heart in the retrograde direction after having beenpercutaneously inserted through the femoral artery. The guide cathetercan be configured to be selectively steerable or bendable to facilitateadvancement of the delivery system 100 through the patient'svasculature. An exemplary steerable guide catheter as can be used inembodiments of the disclosed technology is described in detail in U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0005131 (U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/152,288), which is hereby expressly incorporated herein byreference.

The delivery apparatus 100 also includes a stent delivery catheter 108positioned in the interior of the guide catheter 102. The stent deliverycatheter 108 has an elongated shaft 110 and an outer fork 140 connectedto a distal end portion of the shaft 110. The shaft 110 of the stentdelivery catheter 108 can be configured to be moveable axially relativeto the shaft 104 of the guide catheter 102. Furthermore, the shaft 110of the stent delivery catheter 108 can be sized so that its exteriorwall is adjacent to or in contact with the inner wall of the shaft 104of the guide catheter 102.

The delivery apparatus 100 can also include an inner catheter 118positioned in the interior of the stent delivery catheter 108. The innercatheter 118 can have an elongated shaft 120 and an inner fork 138secured to the distal end portion of the shaft 120. The shaft 120 of theinner catheter 118 can be configured to be moveable axially relative tothe shaft 104 of the guide catheter 102 and relative to the shaft 110 ofthe stent delivery catheter 108. Furthermore, the shaft 120 of the innercatheter 118 can be sized so that its exterior wall is adjacent to or incontact with the inner wall of the shaft 110 of the stent deliverycatheter 108. A guide wire (not shown) can be inserted into the interiorof the inner catheter 118. The guide wire can be used, for example, tohelp ensure proper advancement of the guide catheter 102 and itsinterior catheters through the vasculature of a patient.

As best shown in FIG. 5 , a stent retaining mechanism is formed from theinner fork 138 attached to the distal end portion of the shaft 120 ofthe inner catheter 118 and the outer fork 140 attached to the distal endportion of the shaft 110 of the stent delivery catheter 108. The innerfork 138 includes a plurality of flexible inner prongs 141, 142, 143(three in the illustrated embodiment) at is distal end corresponding tothe retaining arms 21, 23, 25 of the support stent 10, and a headportion 144 at its proximal end. The outer fork 140 includes a pluralityof flexible outer prongs 145, 146, 147 (three in the illustratedembodiment) at its distal end corresponding to the retaining arms 21,23, 25 of the stent 10, and a head portion 148 at its proximal end. Thedistal end portions of the outer prongs 145, 146, 147 are formed withrespective apertures 155, 156, 157 sized to receive the retaining arms21, 23, 25.

FIG. 6 is a zoomed-in view of one of the retaining arms 21, 23, 25 as itinterfaces with corresponding prongs of the outer fork 140 and the innerfork 138. In this example, retaining arm 21 is shown, though it shouldbe understood that the retaining mechanism is similarly formed for theretaining arms 23, 25. The distal end portion of the outer prong 145 isformed with the aperture 155. When assembled, the retaining arm 21 ofthe stent is inserted through the aperture 155 of the prong 145 of theouter fork and the prong 141 of the inner fork is inserted through theaperture 26 of the retaining arm 21 so as to retain the retaining arm 21in the aperture 155.

Retracting the inner prong 141 proximally (in the direction of arrow152) to remove the prong from the aperture 26 allows the retaining arm21 to be removed from the aperture 155, effectively releasing theretaining arm from the retaining mechanism. For instance, the outerprong 145 and the retaining arm 21 can be formed such that when theinner prong 141 is withdrawn from the aperture 26, the outer prong 145flexes radially inward (downward in FIG. 7 ) and/or the retaining arm 21of the support stent flexes radially outward (upward in FIG. 7 ),thereby causing the retaining arm 21 to be removed from the aperture155. In this manner, the retaining mechanism formed by the inner fork138 and the outer fork 140 create a releasable connection with thesupport stent 10 that is secure enough to retain the support stent tothe stent delivery catheter 108 and to allow the user to adjust theposition of the support stent after it is deployed. When the supportstent 10 is positioned at the desired location adjacent to the leafletsof the aortic valve, the connection between the support stent and theretaining mechanism can be released by retracting the inner fork 138relative to the outer fork 140, as further described below. In otherembodiments, the function of the inner fork and the outer fork can bereversed. For example, the prongs of the inner fork can be formed withapertures sized to receive the corresponding retaining arms of thesupport stent and the prongs of the outer fork can be inserted throughthe apertures of the retaining arms when the retaining arms are placedthrough the apertures of the prongs of the inner fork.

As best shown in the exploded view in FIG. 5 , the head portion 144 ofthe inner fork can be connected to the distal end portion of the shaft120 of the inner catheter 118. In the illustrated embodiment, forexample, the head portion 144 of the inner fork is formed with aplurality of angularly spaced, inwardly biased retaining flanges 154. Anend piece of the shaft 120 can be formed as a cylindrical shaft havingan annular groove 121. On the distal side of the annular groove 121, theshaft 120 can have a collar 122 with an outer diameter that is slightlygreater than the diameter defined by the inner free ends of the flanges154. Thus, the inner fork 138 can be secured to the end piece byinserting head portion 144 of the inner fork onto the end piece of theshaft 120 until the flanges 154 flex inwardly into the annular groove121 adjacent the collar 122, thereby forming a snap-fit connectionbetween the head portion 144 and the shaft 120. The head portion 144 canhave a proximal end that engages an annular shoulder 123 of the shaft120 that is slightly larger in diameter so as to prevent the headportion from sliding longitudinally along the shaft 120 in the proximaldirection.

The head portion 148 of the outer fork can be secured to a distal endportion of the shaft 110 of the stent delivery catheter 108 in a similarmanner. As shown in FIG. 5 , the head portion 148 can be formed with aplurality of angularly spaced, inwardly biased retaining flanges 155. Anend piece of the shaft 110 can be formed as a cylindrical shaft havingan annular groove 111. On the distal side of the annular groove 111, theshaft 110 can have a collar 112 with an outer diameter that is slightlygreater than the diameter defined by the free ends of the flanges 155.Thus, the outer fork 140 can be secured to the end piece of the shaft110 by inserting the shaft 110 onto the head portion 148 until theflanges flex inwardly into the groove 111, thereby forming a snap-fitconnection between the head portion 148 and the shaft 110. The headportion 148 can have a proximal end that engages an annular shoulder 123of the shaft 110 that is slightly larger so as to prevent the headportion from sliding longitudinally along the shaft 110 in the proximaldirection.

In FIG. 3 , the support stent 10 is shown in a radially compressed statein the interior of the elongated shaft 104 of the guide catheter 102. Inthe radially compressed state, the distance along the z axis between apeak and an adjacent valley of the support stent is greater than thedistance along the z axis between the peak and the adjacent valley whenthe support stent is in it uncompressed state. The distal end portion ofthe shaft 104 can also be referred to as a delivery sheath for the stent10. In this undeployed and compressed state, the prongs of the outerfork 140 and the inner fork 138 of the stent delivery catheter 108 andthe inner catheter 118 engage the retaining arms 21, 23, 25 of thesupport stent 10 in the manner described above with respect to FIGS. 5and 6 . To deploy the support stent 10 in the illustrated embodiment(advance the stent from the delivery system), the stent deliverycatheter 108 and the inner catheter 118 are advanced toward the distalend 105 of the guide catheter 102 using one or more control handles ormechanisms (not shown) located at the proximal end of the guide catheter102. This action causes the support stent 10 to be advanced outwardlythrough the distal end 105 of the guide catheter 102 and expand into itsrelaxed, uncompressed state (shown, for example, in FIGS. 1 and 2 ).

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the support stent 10 after it hasbeen advanced from the distal end of the guide catheter 102. As seen inFIG. 4 , the support stent 10 now assumes its relaxed, uncompressedshape but remains connected to the outer fork 140 and the inner fork 138at its retaining arms 21, 23, 25. In this configuration, the supportstent 10 can be rotated (in the clockwise or counter-clockwisedirections) or repositioned (in the proximal and distal directionsand/or into a different position in the x-y plane) into a properorientation adjacent to its intended target area. For example, thesupport stent 10 can be positioned against the upper surfaces ofleaflets of the aortic valve in the manner illustrated in FIG. 2 whilethe support stent 10 remains connected to the delivery system 100 viathe retaining arms 21, 23, 25. As more fully illustrated below in FIGS.7-12 , a prosthetic valve (e.g., a THV) can be delivered to the aorticvalve through a transapical approach (e.g., through the apex of theheart and through the left ventricle) and deployed within the nativevalve such that the prosthetic valve is secured in place by frictionalengagement between the support stent, the native leaflets, and theprosthetic valve.

In particular embodiments, the support stent 10 is shaped so that theTHV can be positioned in the interior of the support stent along withthe native leaflets of the aortic valve. More specifically, the supportstent 10 can be shaped such that the native leaflets become trapped orpinched between the support stent 10 and the exterior of the THV whenthe THV is installed. For instance, the diameter of the support stent 10can be equal to or smaller than the maximum diameter of the THV whenfully expanded, thus causing the THV to be frictionally fit to theleaflets of the aortic valve and the support stent 10. This friction fitcreates a solid foundation for the THV that is independent of the stateor condition of the leaflets in the aortic valve. For example, THVs aremost commonly used for treating aortic stenosis, a condition in whichthe leaflets of the aortic valve become hardened with calcium. Thehardened leaflets typically provide a good support structure foranchoring the THV within the aortic annulus. Other conditions may exist,however, in which it is desirable to implant a THV into the aortic valveand which do not result in a hardening of the leaflets of the aorticvalve. For instance, the support stent 10 can be used as a foundationfor a THV when treating patients with aortic insufficiency. Aorticinsufficiency results when the aortic annulus dilates such that theaortic valve does not close tightly. With this condition, the aorticannulus is larger than normal and would otherwise require a large THV.Using a support stent or frame (such as the support stent or frame 10),however, a smaller THV can be used, thereby making the THV deliveryprocess easier and safer. Furthermore, the use of a support stentprotects against displacement of the THV if there is any furtherdilation of the aortic valve.

A support stent can be used to secure a THV in any situation in whichthe aorta or aortic valve may not be in condition to help support theTHV and is not limited to cases of aortic insufficiency. For example, asupport stent 10 can be used in cases in which the aortic annulus is toodilated or in which the leaflets of the aorta are too weak or soft. Thesupport stent can be used to create an anchor for the THV, for instance,in cases in which the native leaflet tissue is too soft because ofexcess collagen in the aorta.

FIGS. 7-13 illustrate one exemplary procedure for deploying the supportstent and securing a THV to the support stent. In particular, FIGS. 7-8are cross-sectional views through the left side of a patient's heartshowing the acts performed in delivering the support stent 10 throughthe aortic arch to the aortic valve. FIGS. 9-13 are cross-sectionalviews through the left side of a patient's heart showing the actsperformed in deploying a THV 250 and having it engage the support stent10. In order to better illustrate the components of the delivery system100, the guide catheter 102 is shown partially cut away in FIGS. 7-13 .For the sake of brevity, certain details concerning the delivery systemof the THV 250 are omitted. Additional details and alternativeembodiments of the delivery system for the THV 250 that may be used withthe support stent described herein are discussed in U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2007/0112422 (U.S. application Ser. No.11/280,063), which is hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 7 shows the guide catheter 102 of the delivery system 100 as it isadvanced through the aortic arch 202 into a position near the surface ofthe outflow side of the aortic valve 210. The delivery system 100 can beinserted through the femoral artery of the patient and advanced into theaorta in the retrograde direction. FIG. 7 also shows the stent deliverycatheter 108, the inner catheter 118, and the support stent 10. In FIG.7 , the support stent 10 is in its radially compressed, predeploymentstate. Also seen in FIG. 7 are the outer fork 140 and the inner fork138, which couple the radially compressed support stent 10 to the distalends of the stent delivery catheter 108 and the inner catheter 118,respectively.

FIG. 8 shows the support stent 10 after it has been advanced through thedistal end of the guide catheter 102 and assumes its final, uncompressedshape in a position above and adjacent to the aortic valve 210. Thesupport stent 10 can also be placed directly on the surface of theoutflow side of the aortic valve. FIG. 8 shows that the stent deliverycatheter 108 and the inner catheter 118 have been advanced though thedistal end of the guide catheter 102, thereby pushing the support stent10 out of the guide catheter and allowing it to expand into its naturalshape. In particular embodiments, the support stent 10 is rotated andpositioned as necessary so that the support stent generallycircumscribes the aortic valve and so that the peaks of the supportstent are aligned with the tips of the natural leaflets of the aorticvalve 210. Therefore, when the THV is inserted and expanded within theaortic valve 210, the leaflets of the aortic valve will engage at leastthe majority of the surface in the interior of the support stent 10.This alignment will create an overall tighter fit between the supportstent 10 and the THV. In other embodiments, the support stent 10 isrotated and positioned as necessary so that the peaks of the supportstent 10 are aligned with the commissures or other portions of theaortic valve. The position of the guide catheter 102 and the supportstent 10 relative to the aortic valve 210, as well as the position ofother elements of the system, can be monitored using radiopaque markersand fluoroscopy, or using other imaging systems such as transesophagealecho, transthoracic echo, intravascular ultrasound imaging (“IVUS”), oran injectable dye that is radiopaque.

Also seen in FIG. 8 are the prongs of the outer fork 140 and the prongsof the inner fork 138. In the exemplary procedure, the prongs of theouter fork 140 and the inner fork 138 remain secured to the supportstent 10 until the THV is deployed and frictionally engaged to thesupport stent. The inner and outer forks desirably form a connectionbetween the stent 10 and the delivery system that is secure and rigidenough to allow the surgeon to hold the stent 10 at the desiredimplanted position against the flow of blood while the THV is beingimplanted.

In FIG. 8 , the support stent 10 is self-expanding. In otherembodiments, however, the support stent may not be self-expanding. Insuch embodiments, the support stent can be made of a suitable ductilematerial, such as stainless steel. In addition, a mechanism forexpanding the support stent can be included as part of the deliverysystem 100. For example, the support stent can be disposed around aballoon of a balloon catheter in a compressed state. The ballooncatheter can have a shaft that is interior to the inner catheter 118.Because the stent 10 is not self-expanding, the distal end portion ofthe guide catheter 102 need not extend over the compressed supportstent. During delivery of the support stent, the support stent, ballooncatheter, inner catheter 118, and stent delivery catheter 108 can beadvanced from the distal end of the guide catheter 102. The balloonportion of the balloon catheter can be inflated, causing the supportstent to expand. The balloon portion can subsequently be deflated andthe balloon catheter withdrawn into the delivery system 100 to removethe balloon from the interior of the support stent while the supportstent remains connected to the inner catheter for positioning of thesupport stent. The delivery of the support stent otherwise proceeds asin the illustrated embodiment using the self-expanding support stent 10.

FIG. 9 shows an introducer sheath 220 passing into the left ventriclethrough a puncture 222 and over a guidewire 224 that extends upwardthrough the aortic valve 210. The surgeon locates a distal tip 221 ofthe introducer sheath 220 just to the inflow side of the aortic valve210. The position of the introducer sheath 220 relative to the aorticvalve 210, as well as the position of other elements of the system, canbe monitored using radiopaque markers and fluoroscopy, or using otherimaging systems.

FIG. 10 shows the advancement of the balloon catheter 230 over theguidewire 224 and through the introducer sheath 220. Ultimately, as seenin FIG. 11 , the THV 250 is located at the aortic annulus and betweenthe native aortic leaflets. FIG. 11 also illustrates retraction of theintroducer sheath 220 from its more distal position in FIG. 10 .Radiopaque markers may be provided on the distal end of the introducersheath 220 to more accurately determine its position relative to thevalve 210 and balloon 232. In order to better illustrate the componentsof the delivery system for the THV, FIGS. 10-11 do not show the frontthird of the support stent 10 or the corresponding outer and inner prongof the outer fork and the inner fork, respectively. Furthermore, forpurpose of illustrating the relative position of the support stent 10 onthe THV 250, FIGS. 12-13 show the front third of the support stent 10and the front of the THV 250, but do not show the portions of the nativeheart valve that would be secured by the front of the support stent 10.It is to be understood, however, that a corresponding leaflet of thenative heart valve would be secured between the support stent 10 and theTHV 250.

Again, the precise positioning of the THV 250 may be accomplished bylocating radiopaque markers on its distal and proximal ends. In someembodiments, the surgeon can adjust the position of the valve 250 byactuating a steering or deflecting mechanism within the balloon catheter230. Furthermore, the rotational orientation of the valve 250 can beadjusted relative to the cusps and commissures of the native aorticvalve by twisting the balloon catheter 230 from its proximal end andobserving specific markers on the valve (or balloon catheter) underfluoroscopy. One of the coronary ostia 280 opening into one of thesinuses of the ascending aorta is also shown in FIG. 11 , and those ofskill in the art will understand that it is important not to occlude thetwo coronary ostia with the prosthetic valve 250.

FIG. 11 shows the THV 250 in its contracted or unexpanded state crimpedaround the balloon 232. When the surgeon is satisfied of the properpositioning and rotational orientation of the valve 250, the balloon 232is expanded to engage the support stent 10 as seen in FIG. 12 . Theengagement of the support stent 10 to the exterior of the THV 250pinches the leaflets of the aortic valve between the support stent andthe THV 250, and thereby secures the THV within the annulus of theaortic valve. Once secured into this position, the inner catheter 118 ofthe delivery system 100 can be retracted, thereby causing the prongs ofthe inner fork 138 to become disengaged from the retaining arms of thesupport stent 10. Once the prongs of the inner fork 138 are disengaged,the prongs of the outer fork 140 can be disengaged from the retainingarms by retracting the stent delivery catheter 108. Once disengaged fromthe support stent, the delivery system 100 can be retracted from theaortic arch and removed from the patient.

It should be noted that the valve 250 can take a variety of differentforms and may comprise an expandable stent portion that supports a valvestructure. The stent portion desirably has sufficient radial strength tohold the valve at the treatment site and to securely engage the supportstent 10. Additional details regarding balloon expandable valveembodiments that can be used in connection with the disclosed technologyare described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,730,118 and 6,893,460, both of whichare hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference.

Once the valve 250 is properly implanted, as seen in FIG. 13 , theballoon 232 is deflated, and the entire delivery system including theballoon catheter 230 is withdrawn over the guidewire 224. The guidewire224 can then be withdrawn, followed by the introducer sheath 220.Ultimately, purse-string sutures 260 at the left ventricular apex can becinched tight and tied to close the puncture.

FIGS. 14-16 shows another embodiment of a support stent or frame 310that can be used to help secure a THV into the interior of a nativeheart valve, such as the aortic valve. In particular, FIG. 14 is aperspective view of the support stent 310, FIG. 15 is a top view of thesupport stent 310, and FIG. 16 is a side view of the support stent 310.Like support stent 10, support stent 310 has a generally annular ortoroidal body formed from a suitable shape-memory metal or alloy, suchas spring steel, Elgiloy®, or nitinol. The support stent 310 is alsoradially compressible to a smaller profile and can self expand whendeployed into its functional size and shape. In other embodiments,however, the support stent 310 is not self expanding.

The support stent 310 includes a generally cylindrical main body portion320 and a rim portion 330. The support stent 310 can be a meshstructure, which can be formed, for example, from multiple elements inwhich approximately half of the elements are angled in a first directionand approximately half of the elements are angled in a second direction,thereby creating a criss-cross or diamond-shaped pattern. In theillustrated embodiment, the rim portion 330 has a greater diameter thanthe main body portion 320 and is formed as an extension at a bottomregion of the main body portion that is folded outwardly from the mainbody portion and back toward a top region of the main body portion. Therim portion 330 thus forms a U-shaped rim or lip around the bottomregion of the support stent 310. In general, the rim portion 330 isdesigned to have a diameter that is slightly larger than the walls ofthe aortic arch that surround the aortic valve. Thus, when the supportstent 310 is delivered to the aortic valve and deployed at the aorta,the rim portion 330 expands to engage the surrounding aorta wall andfrictionally secures the support stent 310. At the same time, the mainbody portion 320 defines an interior into which an expandable THV can beexpanded and which further engages the native leaflets of the aorticvalve. Thus, the main body portion 320 operates in the same manner asthe support stent 10 described above and illustrated in FIGS. 1-12 ,whereas the rim portion 330 of the support stent 310 operates to securethe support stent in place by engaging the walls of the aorta thatsurround the aortic valve.

As best seen in FIGS. 14 and 16 , the support stent 310 further includesretaining arms 321, 322, 323 that can be used to help position anddeploy the support stent 310 into its proper location relative to thenative aortic valve. The retaining arms 321, 322, 323 can haverespective apertures 326, 327, 328. In general, the retaining arms 321,322, 323 are constructed and function in a similar manner as retainingarms 21, 23, 25 described above in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.1-12 .

FIGS. 17-18 illustrate one exemplary procedure for deploying the supportstent 310 and securing a THV 340 within an interior of the supportstent. In particular, FIGS. 17-18 are cross-sectional views through theleft side of a patient's heart showing the acts performed in deliveringthe support stent 310 through the aortic arch to the aortic valve. Forthe sake of brevity, certain details concerning the delivery system ofthe THV 340 are omitted. Additional details and alternative embodimentsof the delivery system for the THV 340 that may be used with the supportstent described herein are discussed in U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2008/0065011 (U.S. application Ser. No. 11/852,977) andU.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0005131 (U.S. applicationSer. No. 11/152,288), which are hereby expressly incorporated herein byreference.

FIG. 17 shows an outer catheter 352 (which can be a guide catheter) of adelivery system 350 as it is advanced through the aortic arch 302 into aposition near the surface of the outflow side of the aortic valve 304.The delivery system 350 can be inserted through the femoral artery ofthe patient and advanced into the aorta in the retrograde direction.FIG. 17 also shows a stent delivery catheter 354, an inner catheter 356,and the support stent 310. Also seen in FIG. 17 are the outer fork 360and the inner fork 362, which couple the support stent 310 to the distalends of the stent delivery catheter 354 and the inner catheter 356,respectively.

More specifically, FIG. 17 shows the support stent 310 after it has beenadvanced through the distal end of the guide catheter 352 and assumesits final, uncompressed shape in a position adjacent to the aortic valve304. In order to better illustrate the components of the delivery systemfor the THV, FIGS. 17-18 do not show the entire front side of thesupport stent 310 or the corresponding valve leaflet that would besecured by the front side of the support stent 310. It is to beunderstood, however, that in practice the entire support stent 310 wouldexist and engage a corresponding leaflet of the native heart valve.

The support stent 310 can be positioned adjacent to the aortic valve 304so that the rim portion 330 of the support stent engages the wallssurrounding the aortic valve 304 and exerts an outward force againstthose walls, thereby securing the support stent 310 within the aorta.This positioning can be achieved, for example, by advancing the guidecatheter 352 to a position directly adjacent the aortic valve 304 whilethe stent delivery catheter 354 and the inner catheter 356 areundeployed and while the support stent 310 remains in its compressedstate. The guide catheter 352 can then be retracted while the stentdelivery catheter 354 and the inner catheter 356 are held in place,thereby allowing the support stent 310 to expand toward its naturalshape. As with the delivery system 100 described above, the position ofthe guide catheter 352 and the support stent 310 relative to the aorticvalve 304, as well as the position of other elements of the system, canbe monitored using radiopaque markers and fluoroscopy, or using otherimaging systems such as transesophageal echo, transthoracic echo, IVUS,or an injectable dye that is radiopaque.

Once the support stent 310 is positioned into the desired locationadjacent the aortic valve 304, the prongs of the inner fork 362 can bedisengaged from the corresponding apertures of the retaining arms of thesupport stent 310. For example, the inner catheter 356 can be retractedinto the interior of the stent delivery catheter 354, thereby releasingthe support stent 310 from the outer fork 360 and the inner fork 362.The delivery system 350 can then be retracted from the aorta and removedfrom the patient's body.

With the support stent 310 secured to the aortic valve, a THV (such asany of the THVs discussed above) can be introduced. In contrast to theprocedure illustrated in FIGS. 7-13 , a delivery system having adelivery catheter that is advanced through the patient's aorta can beused to deliver the THV. In other words, a transfemoral approach can beused. For instance, any of the exemplary systems and methods describedin U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0065011 (U.S.application Ser. No. 11/852,977) or U.S. Patent Application PublicationNo. 2007/0005131 (U.S. application Ser. No. 11/152,288) can be used withthe support stent 310. Alternatively, the transapical approach shown inFIGS. 7-13 can be used.

FIG. 18 shows delivery system 380 comprising an outer catheter 382(which can be a guide catheter) and a balloon catheter 390 extendingthrough the guide catheter. The balloon catheter 390 has a balloon atits distal end on which the THV is mounted. As with the delivery system350, the delivery system 380 can be inserted through the femoral arteryof the patient and advanced into the aorta in the retrograde direction.FIG. 18 further shows a guidewire 392 that has been first inserted intothe patient's vasculature and advanced into the left ventricle. Thedelivery system can then be inserted into the body and advanced over theguidewire 392 until the THV is positioned within the interior of theaortic valve. As shown, the THV is not only in the interior of theaortic valve 304 but also in the interior of the main body portion ofthe support stent 310.

FIG. 18 shows the THV 340 in its contracted (or unexpanded) statecrimped around the balloon portion of the balloon catheter 390. When thesurgeon is satisfied of the proper positioning, the balloon of theballoon catheter 390 can be expanded such that the THV 340 expands andurges the native leaflets of the aortic valve against the support stent310, thereby securing the THV within the annulus of the aortic valve.Once the THV 340 is properly implanted, the balloon of the ballooncatheter 390 is deflated, and the entire delivery system 380 includingthe balloon catheter is withdrawn over the guidewire 392. The guidewire392 can then be withdrawn.

Other methods of delivering a support stent and THV to the aortic valveor any other heart valve are also possible. For example, in certainembodiments, the support stent and the THV are delivered surgically tothe desired heart valve (e.g., in an open-heart surgical procedure).Furthermore, in certain embodiments in which the support stent and THVare delivered surgically, non-compressible support stents and/or THVsare used.

Exemplary Embodiments for Replacing Mitral Valves

The mitral valve can also suffer from valve insufficiency, which may bedesirably treated through the implantation of a prosthetic valve. Aswith aortic valve insufficiency, mitral valve insufficiency often causesthe valve annulus to be dilated and the valve leaflets to be too soft toprovide reliable support for securing a prosthetic valve. Accordingly,and according to certain exemplary embodiments of the disclosedtechnology, it is desirable to use a support structure to help secure atranscatheter heart valve (“THV”) within a patient's mitral valve. Aswith the support stents and frames described above, the mitral valvesupport structure is desirably positioned on the outflow side of themitral valve. The THV can be inserted into the interiors of the nativemitral valve and the support structure and then expanded such that themitral valve leaflets are frictionally engaged between the exteriorsurface of the THV and the interior surface of the support structure.Alternatively, the support structure can be deployed after the THV ispositioned and expanded within the mitral valve. The diameter of thesupport structure can then be adjusted such that the valve leaflets arefrictionally engaged against the exterior of the THV. By using a supportstructure to secure the THV, a smaller THV can be used, thereby makingthe THV delivery process easier and safer. Furthermore, the use of asupport structure protects against displacement of the THV if there isany further dilation of the aortic valve. Moreover, when a supportstructure is used to secure the THV, the native leaflets function as asealing ring around the valve that prevents paravalvular leaks.

The support structure for the mitral valve can have a variety of shapes.For example, in some embodiments, the support structure has a sinusoidalshape as with the support stent 110, but in other embodiments does nothave a sinusoidal shape or is not otherwise shaped in the z-plane. Infurther embodiments, the support stent is shaped as a cylindrical bandor sleeve. The support frame can also have a more complex structure. Ingeneral, any of the shapes and materials used for embodiments of theaortic valve support structures described above can be used forembodiments of the mitral valve support structures and vice versa.

In one exemplary embodiment, the mitral valve support structure is madeof a suitable biocompatible material that can be delivered through oneor more delivery catheters and formed into a band or loop. For thisreason, the structure is sometimes referred to herein as a “supportband” or “support loop.” The biocompatible material may comprise, forexample, nylon, silk, polyester, or other synthetic biocompatiblematerial. The biocompatible material may alternatively comprise anatural material, such as catgut. In still other embodiments, thesupport structure is formed of a biocompatible shape-memory metal oralloy, such as spring steel, Elgiloy®, or nitinol.

FIGS. 19-27 show one exemplary procedure for delivering a supportstructure to the mitral valve and having it secure a THV into itsdesired position within the mitral valve. In particular, FIGS. 19-24 arecross-sectional views through the left side of a patient's heart showingthe acts performed in delivering the support structure using atransapical approach. FIGS. 25-27 are cross-sectional views through theleft side of a patient's heart showing the acts performed in deploying aTHV and having it engage the mitral valve leaflets and the interior ofthe support structure. It should be noted that FIGS. 19-27 are schematicin nature and thus do not necessarily depict a precise representation ofthe delivery process. For example, the patient's ribcage is not shownfor illustrative purposes and the size of the sheaths used with thedelivery system have been altered somewhat in order to better illustratethe procedure. One of ordinary skill in the art, however, will readilyunderstand the range and types of sheaths and catheters that can be usedto implement the depicted procedure.

FIG. 19 shows an introducer sheath 400 inserted into the left ventricleof a patient's heart through a puncture 402. In particularimplementations, the introducer sheath 400 is positioned so that it isnot directly centered about the outflow side of the mitral valve, butrather is offset from the center. In particular, the introducer sheath400 can be positioned so that it is on the exterior side of the spaceenclosed by chordae tendineae 412. It should be noted that in FIGS.19-27 , the chordae tendineae 412 of the left ventricle are onlypartially shown. It is to be understood, however, that the chordaetendineae 412 are respectively attached to each of the mitral valveleaflets and to the papillary muscles of the left ventricle. A surgeoncan locate a distal tip 401 of the introducer sheath 400 near theoutflow side of the mitral valve (e.g., within 1-10 millimeters).

FIG. 20 shows a first catheter delivery sheath 420 and a second catheterdelivery sheath 422 being advanced through the interior of theintroducer sheath 400. The introducer sheath 400 can define two or moreseparate lumens through which the first and the second catheter deliverysheaths 420, 422 can be inserted or can define a single lumensufficiently large to receive both the first and the second catheterdelivery sheaths 420, 422. The first and second catheter deliverysheaths 420, 422 can be shaped so that they are outwardly from eachother when advanced out of the distal tip 401 of the introducer sheath400. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first and secondcatheter delivery sheaths 420, 422 have end regions 421, 423 that archabout 90 degrees (or some other amount, such as between 45-90 degrees)when they are in their natural state. The amount of arching may varyfrom implementation to implementation but is desirably selected so thatthe tips of the end portions 421, 423 are in approximately the sameplane. In other embodiments, the catheter delivery sheaths 420, 422 arenot used as part of the support structure delivery procedure.

In FIG. 21 , a first loop delivery catheter 430 is advanced through theinterior of the first catheter delivery sheath 420 and extendedsubstantially around the exterior of one half of the chordae tendineae(e.g., the medial half of the chordae tendineae). Similarly, a secondloop delivery catheter 432 is advanced through the interior of thesecond catheter delivery sheath 422 and extended substantially aroundthe exterior of the other half of the chordae tendineae (e.g., thelateral half of the chordae tendineae). The loop delivery catheters 430,432 can be steerable catheters having end regions that can beselectively deformed or arched by an operator. Such steerable cathetersare well known in the art. The loop delivery catheters 420, 432 canadditionally be magnetic or have magnetic distal end portions. Forexample, in the illustrated embodiment, the first loop delivery catheter430 has a magnetic distal end portion 431 with a first polarity, and thesecond loop delivery catheter 432 has a magnetic distal end portion 433with a second polarity opposite the first polarity. As a result of theirmagnetization, the end portions 431, 433 are attracted to one anotherand will form a contiguous junction when in sufficient proximity to eachother. Other mechanisms for engaging the end portions 431, 433 to oneanother are also possible (e.g., a hook mechanism, an adhesive, anenlarged diameter of one end portion, and other such mechanisms). Whenthe end portions 431, 433 are engaged to one another, the first and thesecond loop delivery catheters 430, 432 form a single interior or lumenthrough which a support band material can be advanced. Furthermore, whenthe end portions 431, 433 are engaged to one another, the first and thesecond loop delivery catheters 430, 432 create a partial loop thatcircumscribes the chordae tendineae.

FIG. 22 shows the magnetic distal end portions 431, 433 after the firstand second loop delivery catheters 430, 432 are arched around thechordae tendineae and after the distal end portions have beenmagnetically engaged to one another. In this configuration, a cord 440of biocompatible material can be advanced through the interior of one ofthe loop delivery catheters 430, 432 and into the interior of the otherone of the loop delivery catheters. As used herein, the term “cord”refers to a slender length of material that can be formed from a singlestrand, fiber, or filament, or can comprise multiple strands, fibers, orfilaments. In one particular implementation, an end 442 of the cord 440can be advanced from a proximal end of the first loop delivery catheter430, through the interior of the first loop delivery catheter, throughthe junction formed by the distal end portions 431, 433, and through theinterior of the second loop delivery catheter 432 until it appears onthe proximate end of the second loop delivery catheter 432. In oneparticular embodiment, the cord 440 is a guidewire (e.g., a guidewiremade of stainless steel or other suitable metal). The guidewire can thenbe attached to another cord of biocompatible material used to form thesupport band and pulled through the interior of the first and the secondloop delivery catheters 430, 432, thereby positioning the cord ofbiocompatible material around the chordae tendineae in a partial loop.With the cord of biocompatible material delivered around the chordaetendineae, the first and second loop delivery catheters 430, 432 and thefirst and second catheter delivery sheaths 420, 422 can be retractedfrom the introducer sheath 400.

FIG. 23 shows a cord 443 of biocompatible material used to form thesupport band positioned around the chordae tendineae after the first andsecond loop delivery catheters 430, 432 and the first and secondcatheter delivery sheaths 430, 422 have been withdrawn. In FIG. 23 , asheath 450 is inserted over both ends of the cord 443 and over a firstportion 444 and a second portion 446 of the cord 443, which run throughthe length of the sheath 450.

As shown in FIG. 24 , a locking member 460 can be advanced over thefirst and second portions 444, 446 of the cord 443 and into the leftventricle. The locking member 460 can be advanced, for example, by apusher tube 462 that pushes the locking member 460 over the portions444, 446 of the cord 440. In one particular embodiment, the lockingmember 460 includes lumens or other openings configured to receive eachof the two portions 444, 446 and permits movement along the portions444, 446 in only a single direction. In certain other embodiments, thelocking member 460 can be unlocked from the portions 444, 446 of thecord 440 and advanced in both directions along the cord 440. In theillustrated embodiment, the pusher tube 462 is further configured tosever the portions of the cord 440 that extend through a proximal sideof the locking member 460, thereby releasing a support band 441 formedby the locking member 460 and the loop-shaped portion of the cord 443from the pusher tube 462. As more fully shown in FIG. 25 , the pushertube 462 can further be formed of a shape memory material or include adeflection mechanism that allows the pusher tube to have an arched shapetoward its distal end. On account of this arched shape, the pusher tube462 can be used to better position the support band 441 formed by theloop-shaped portion of the cord 443 and the locking member 460 adjacentto the outflow side of the mitral valve such that the native leaflets ofthe mitral valve open into an interior of the support band 441.

As shown in FIG. 25 , the sheath 450 can be withdrawn from theintroducer sheath 400 once the locking member 460 and the pusher tube462 are advanced into the left ventricle. A balloon catheter 470 can beadvanced through the introducer sheath 400 and into the interior of themitral valve 410 of the patient. Although not shown in the illustratedembodiment, the balloon catheter may be guided by a guidewire into thecenter of the mitral valve. Ultimately, and as seen in FIG. 25 , aballoon portion 472 of the balloon catheter 470 around which a THV 480is crimped can be located within the mitral annulus. Radiopaque markersor other imaging enhancers may be provided on the distal end of theintroducer sheath 400 and the balloon catheter 470 to more accuratelydetermine the position of the THV 480 relative to the native valve 410.In some embodiments, a surgeon can adjust the position of the THV 480 byactuating a steering or deflecting mechanism within the balloon catheter470.

As also shown in FIG. 25 , the locking member 460 and the pusher tube462 can be positioned so as not to interfere with the balloon catheter470. Furthermore, with the THV 480 properly positioned within the mitralvalve 410, the pusher tube 462 can be used to position the support band441 formed by the loop-shaped remaining portion of the cord 443 aroundthe native valve leaflets of the mitral valve. Radiopaque markers orother suitable imaging enhancers can be provided on the pusher tube 462,the locking member 460, and/or the loop-portion of the cord to allow forthe proper positioning of the support band 441 relative to the valveleaflets. With the THV 480 in its desired position, the balloon portion472 of the balloon catheter 470 can be inflated, thereby expanding theTHV 480 against the native valve leaflets and causing the leaflets tofrictionally engage the interior surface of the support band 441. Thisexpansion secures the THV 480 to the native valve leaflets. In otherwords, the expansion pinches the native leaflets of the mitral valvebetween the support band 441 and the THV 480, and thereby secures theTHV within the annulus of the mitral valve.

As shown in FIG. 26 , with the THV 480 secured against the native mitralvalve leaflets and the support band 441, the balloon portion 472 of theballoon catheter 470 can be deflated and the balloon catheter withdrawnfrom the introducer sheath 400. The pusher tube 462 can then bedisengaged from the loop 441. For example, the pusher tube 462 cancomprise a cutting element at its distal end that can be activated bythe surgeon from the proximal end. An example of one suitable cuttingelement is shown below with respect to FIG. 39 . Alternatively, aseparate cutting device (e.g., a cutting catheter or catheter having acontrollable cutting element) can be inserted through the introducersheath 400 and used to cut the portions of the cord 443 that extendthrough the proximal side of the locking member 460 and do not form partof the support band 441.

FIG. 27 shows the THV 480 secured within the native mitral valve afterthe support band 441 has been released from the pusher tube 462 and thepusher tube has been retracted from the introducer sheath 400. It shouldbe noted that the THV 480 can take a variety of different forms and maycomprise an expandable stent portion that supports a valve structure.The stent portion desirably has sufficient radial strength to hold thevalve at the treatment site and to securely engage the support band 441.

It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that theabove-described loop deployment technique can be modified in a number ofmanners without departing from the disclosed technology. For example, insome embodiments, the THV is delivered and expanded into the mitralvalve before the support band is delivered to the left ventricle. Inthese embodiments, the THV can be temporarily secured within the mitralvalve. For example, the THV can be temporarily secured to the mitralvalve using one or more anchoring members on the exterior of the THV(e.g., anchoring members having a main body and one or more hook-shapedor umbrella-shaped barbs). The THV can also be temporarily securedwithin the mitral valve through the use of one or more spring-loadedclamps, rivets, clasps, or other such fastening mechanisms. With the THVtemporarily secured, the support band can be delivered around the nativeleaflets as described above and the diameter of the support band reduceduntil a desired frictional fit is created between the support band, theleaflets, and the THV. Any of the locking members described herein thatallow the diameter of the support band to be adjusted can be used toachieve the desired diameter.

Further, although the delivery method shown in FIGS. 19-27 uses atransapical approach, a delivery system adapted for introduction throughthe patient's aortic arch can alternatively be used. FIG. 28 shows anexample of such a delivery system 500. In particular, FIG. 28 shows thedelivery system 500 after a delivery catheter has been advanced throughthe aortic arch to a position adjacent the aortic valve and as a firstloop delivery catheter 510 and a second loop delivery catheter 512 aredeployed through the distal end of a delivery catheter 502. As with theprocedure described above, the first and second loop delivery catheters510, 512 can be steerable and comprise magnetic distal end portions thatallow the catheters 510, 512 to engage one another on a distal side ofthe chordae tendineae, thereby forming a delivery lumen through whichbiocompatible material for the support band or loop can be deployed.Also shown in FIG. 28 is an introducer sheath 520 and a balloon deliverycatheter 522 for deploying a THV 524. Besides the adaptations for aorticdelivery, the delivery procedure can otherwise be substantially similaror identical to the procedure shown in FIGS. 19-27 .

Still other delivery variations are possible. For instance, the supportband may be formed of a shape-memory material that assumes a C-shapewhen not acted on by any external forces. The support band can befurther configured such that one end of the C-shaped member is hollowand has a slightly larger diameter than the opposite end. To deliver theC-shaped support band, the support band can be stretched into a linearform and advanced through a delivery catheter (e.g., using a pusherelement). In particular, the distal end of the delivery catheter can bepositioned adjacent the chordae tendineae such that when the supportband is advanced out of the distal end, it wraps around the chordaetendineae. After the support band is deployed from the distal end of thedelivery catheter, a clamping device that is designed to engage theC-shaped support band and urge the ends of the support band together canbe inserted into the heart (e.g., through the delivery catheter, theintroducer sheath, or through a separate catheter). The clamping devicecan be used to urge one end of the support band into the hollow oppositeend of the band. The ends can be crimped so that the support band formsa ring-shaped support band (e.g., using the clamping device or otherdevice). In other embodiments, the hollow end of the support band cancomprise a shoulder that engages an angled collar on the other end ofthe support band when the ends are urged together, thereby form asnap-fit connection. With the ends of the support band secured to oneanother, the support band can be positioned around the native leafletsof the mitral valve (e.g., using the clamping device or otherpositioning device) as a balloon catheter delivers a THV. Uponexpansion, the THV will pinch the native valve leaflets between theouter surface of the THV and the interior surface of the support band,thereby securing the THV within the mitral valve.

In still another embodiment, the support band includes one or moreclamping or fastening devices that can be used to clamp or fasten thesupport band to the native leaflets of the mitral leaflets. For example,the clamping or fastening devices can comprise spring-loaded clamps,anchoring members having one or more hook or umbrella-shaped barbs,clasps, or other such clamping or fastening mechanisms. In thisembodiment, the support band still has a substantially fixed diametersuch that when the THV is expanded into the interior of the mitralvalve, the THV causes the native valve leaflets to be pinched againstthe interior surface of the support band, thereby securing the THVwithin the mitral valve. In still other embodiments, the THV itself caninclude one or more clamping or fastening devices designed to clamp orfasten the THV to the native leaflets of the mitral valve (e.g., any ofthe clamping or fastening mechanisms described above). In thisembodiment, the THV can be secured directly to the native leafletswithout the use of a support band or other support structure.

FIG. 29 shows one exemplary embodiment of a locking member that can beused for locking member 460 shown in FIGS. 19-27 . In particular, FIG.29 shows locking member 600, which can be a clamp, such as anadjustable, C-shaped clamp with interlocking teeth around a portion ofthe clamp. The locking member 600 has two arms 610, 612, each formedwith interlocking teeth 620, 622. Interlocking teeth 620, 622 areconfigured to lock the clamp in one or more positions of varyingcircumference when pressure is applied to the two arms 610, 612 andpushes the arms together. Referring to FIG. 23 , the cord portions (suchas portions 446, 446) can be inserted into the interior 630 of thelocking member 600. The arms 610, 612 can be pushed together andtightened so that the portions 444, 446 are secured in place (e.g.,using a clamping device inserted into the left ventricle through theintroducer sheath or using the pusher tube 462 modified to include aclamping mechanism). The interior 630 can additionally have grooves toincrease the friction and decrease the slippage between the lockingmember 600 and the portions of the cord secured therein.

FIGS. 30-37 depict another exemplary embodiment of a locking member thatcan be used for locking member 460 shown in FIGS. 19-27 . In particular,FIGS. 30-37 show an adjustable locking member 700, which can be attachedto two portions of a cord, thereby forming the support band. As bestseen in FIGS. 30 and 32 , the adjustable locking member 700 comprises atapered, plastic pin 710 that fits into a tapered, plastic snap ring720. When pin 710 and ring 720 are locked together, the adjustablelocking member 700 is prevented from moving relative to the portions ofthe cord that are captured within the adjustable locking member 700(e.g., cord portions 702, 704 in FIG. 30 ).

FIG. 31 illustrates an exemplary pusher tube (or adjustment catheter)730 that can be used to introduce, position, and lock the adjustablelocking member 700 in a desired position. The exemplary pusher tube 730in the illustrated configuration has a fork member 732, an unlockingpush member 734 that is extendable through the fork member 732, and alocking push member 736 that is extendable over the unlocking pushmember 734. Fork member 732 is configured so that it can move theadjustable locking member 700 over the cord portions to which it isconnected. In particular, fork member 732 can engage the adjustablelocking member 700 when it is positioned along the cord portions (butnot yet in a locked position) such that by moving the pusher tube 730 inone direction along the length of the cord portions, adjustable lockingmember 700 is also moved. By moving the adjustable locking member 700 inthis manner, the effective diameter of the support band formed by thecord and the adjustable locking member 700 can be modified.

Push members 734, 736 are slidably movable relative to each other andthe fork member 732 to effect locking and unlocking of the adjustablelocking member 700, as further described below. The unlocking pushmember 734 unlocks the adjustable locking member 700 from the lockedposition and the locking push member 736 locks the adjustable lockingmember 700 from the unlocked position.

FIG. 32 depicts the adjustable locking member 700, according to oneembodiment, in more detail. The pin 710 comprises pin slots or holes 712(which accept the cord portions) and locking members or flanges 714(which extend outward to secure the pin to the ring in a lockedposition). Ring 720 comprises ring slots or holes 722 (which accepts thecord portions) and pin receiving hole 724 (which receives the pin tosecure the pin to the ring in a locked position). The locking members714 are deformable to allow the pin member to be inserted throughoutring member and form a snap-fit connection sufficient to hold the ringmember on the pin member.

FIGS. 33-37 depict the relationship between the adjustable lockingmember 700 and the pusher tube 730, according to one embodiment, andtheir functions relative to one another. As discussed above, the pushertube 730 comprises fork member 732, unlocking push member 734, andlocking push member 736. FIG. 33 shows the pusher tube 730 in moredetail. Both the unlocking push member 734 and the locking push member736 are slidably movable within the pusher tube 730 along thelongitudinal direction identified by the arrows shown in FIG. 33 . Theunlocking push member 734 is desirably a solid member that is sized tofit within the locking push member 736, which is desirably cylindricalwith a longitudinally extending hollow section or lumen for receivingthe unlocking push member 734.

FIG. 34 shows the adjustable locking member 700 with the pin 710 and thering 720 locked together. In the locked position, the cord portions 702,704 pass inside the ring 720 and around the pin 710 (through the ringholes and pin holes) and are captured between these two components. Thecord portions 702, 704 are held in place relative to each other, and thepin 710 and the ring 720 are held in place relative to the cord portions702, 704 by the friction created at the surface interfaces.

Referring to FIGS. 35 and 36 , to unlock the adjustable locking member700, the fork member 732 is inserted between the pin 710 and the ring720, and the unlocking push member 734 is extended from the pusher tube730 to push the pin 710 and the ring 720 apart. The fork member 732holds the ring 720 in place, while the unlocking push member 734 applieslongitudinal pressure against the tip of the pin 710, forcing it out ofthe ring 720. The unlocking push member 734 is desirably sized so thatit can fit at least partially through the pin receiving hole 724 toassist in unlocking the pin 710 and the ring 720 from one another. Oncethe pin 710 and the ring 720 are separated, the adjustable lockingmember 700 can be moved relative to the cord portions 702, 704 in orderto adjust the diameter of the support band formed by the cord portions702, 704.

Referring to FIG. 37 , the manner in which the pusher tube 730 can beused to secure the pin 710 and the ring 720 together is shown. The forkmember 732 is placed at the far (distal) end of the pin 710 and thelocking push member 736 is extended from the pusher tube 730. Thelocking push member 736 is configured with a cylindrical surface that issized to mate with the area of the ring 720 that surrounds the pinreceiving hole. While the fork member 732 holds the pin 710 in place,the locking push member 736 forces the ring 720 onto the pin 710 andlocks the pin and the ring together. Once the adjustable locking member700 is locked, the frictional engagement of the adjustable lockingmember with the cord portions maintains the position of the adjustablelocking member relative to the cord portions 702, 704. The three-pointconnection system described above permits a surgeon to perform fineadjustments of the diameter of the support band around the chordaetendineae and around the outflow side of the native leaflets of themitral valve.

FIGS. 38-39 depict another exemplary embodiment of a locking member thatcan be used for locking member 460 shown in FIGS. 19-27 . In particular,FIG. 38 shows an adjustable locking member 900 having a generallycylindrical body with two lumens (or apertures) 910, 912 formed thereinthat extend from a top surface 902 to a bottom surface 904 of the body.In the illustrated embodiment, and as best seen in the cut-away portionof FIG. 38 showing the lumen 912, the interior of the lumens 910, 912comprises a plurality of teeth (or collars) 920, 922 that are angledtoward the bottom surface 904. The teeth 920 can have some flexibilityand be formed to allow a cord portion, such as cord portion 930 or cordportion 932, to slide through the lumens 910, 912 in a first direction,but not in an opposite second direction. In other words, the teeth 920,922 of the adjustable locking member 900 allow for one-way movement ofthe locking member 900 along the cord portions 930, 932. In this way,the adjustable locking member 900 can be used to securely form thesupport band and allows for the diameter of the support band to beadjusted to its desired size.

FIG. 39 shows an exemplary embodiment of a pusher tube 950 that can beused with the adjustable locking member 900 (e.g., the pusher tube 950can be used as the pusher tube 462 shown in FIGS. 19-27 ). The exemplarypusher tube 950 includes lumens 960, 962 through which the cord portions930, 932 can extend. In a particular embodiment, the lumens 960, 962have a sufficiently large diameter and a smooth interior that allows thecord portions 930, 932 to more easily slide therethrough. In theillustrated embodiment, the pusher tube 950 further includes a rotatableblade 970 at its distal end 902. The rotatable blade 970 can berotatable about a central axis of the pusher tube 950 and connected toan interior rod member 972 that extends through a central lumen of thepusher tube 950. A handle (not shown) can be attached to the interiorrod member 972 at its proximal end and allow for an operator to manuallyrotate the rotatable blade 970 in order to sever the pusher tube 950from the adjustable locking member 900.

Another system and method for delivering a support band (support loop)that at least partially encircles the chordae tendineae and/or nativeleaflets of a mitral valve is shown in FIGS. 40-47 . As described inother embodiments herein, the support band is preferably positioned onthe outflow side of the mitral valve and, after a THV is expanded withinthe valve, the native valve leaflets are frictionally engaged and incontact with an exterior surface of the THV and an interior surface ofthe support band. As described in more detail below, a method forpositioning a support band around the native leaflets of a valve caninclude directing a guidewire around the native leaflets, delivering asupport member over the guidewire, and securing a locking member to bothends of the support member to form the support band.

To facilitate delivery of the support band to a position where itgenerally surrounds the native valve leaflets of the mitral valve, aguidewire 1000 can be advanced into a left ventricle 1002 of thepatient's heart. FIG. 40 illustrates a guidewire 1000 being advancedthrough the aortic arch and the aortic valve annulus 1004, and into theleft ventricle 1002. As shown in FIG. 41 , a distal end 1006 of theguidewire 1000 can be advanced around first and second native leaflet1008, 1010 and the chordae tendineae 1012, so that guidewire 1000 atleast partially surrounds the native leaflets.

A support member 1014 can be delivered over the wire 1000 as shown inFIG. 42A. The support member 1014 can comprise a generally cylindricalmember with an opening (lumen) that extends along its length so that thesupport member can be delivered over guidewire 1000. Support member 1014can be constructed of any suitable biocompatible material that can bedelivered through one or more delivery catheters and formed into a bandor loop as discussed herein. The biocompatible material may comprise,for example, nylon, polyester, or other synthetic biocompatiblematerial. In still other embodiments, the support member can be formedof a biocompatible shape-memory metal or alloy, such as spring steel,Elgiloy®, or nitinol.

In one particular embodiment, support member 1014 comprises a braidedtube. The braided tube can comprises stainless steel with a PET/Cottoncoating. The size of support member 1014 can vary; however, in apreferred embodiment, the outer diameter of support member 1014 ispreferably between about 0.5 and 2 mm, and more preferably between 1 and1.5 mm, and even more preferably about 1.3 mm.

As shown in FIG. 42B, a locking member 1016 can be secured to a proximalend 1018 of support member 1014 using any suitable securing mechanism.For example, an adhesive and/or mechanical fixation device can beprovided to chemically and/or mechanically secure proximal end 1018 tolocking member 1016. The proximal end 1018 can be secured to lockingmember 1016 before support member 1014 and locking member 1016 areintroduced into the patient's body.

Alternatively, the proximal end 1018 can be secured to locking member1016 after support member 1014 and locking member 1016 are introducedinto the patient's body. For example, the locking member 1016 can beintroduced into the body first, and support member 1014 can beintroduced into the body and advanced (e.g., pushed) through lockingmember 1016. In such a case, a distal end of support member 1014 can beconfigured to pass entirely through locking member 1016, while proximalend 1018 is configured to engage with an inner surface of the lockingmember 1016 to restrict further distal movement of support member 1014through locking member 1016.

Locking member 1016 can also comprise a receiving area 1020 that isconfigured to receive a distal end 1022 (FIG. 42A) of support member1014. Distal end 1022 and receiving area 1020 are preferably configuredto have a complementary mating configuration that causes distal end 1022to be securely engaged within receiving area 1020, such as that shown inFIG. 44 and discussed below.

Referring again to FIG. 42A, in operation, guidewire 1000 can bemaneuvered at least partially around the native leaflets and thensupport member 1014 can be delivered over guidewire 1014 into the leftventricle. Preferably, the distal end portion of guidewire 1000 is movedinto and/or through receiving area 1020 to form a loop around the nativeleaflets (as shown in FIG. 42A) to facilitate the delivery of distal end1022 over the guidewire 1000 and into receiving area 1020. To facilitateentry of the guidewire 1000 a snare catheter (see, for example, FIG. 54or FIGS. 95A and 95B) can be delivered through or adjacent to receivingarea 1020 to capture and retrieve the distal end of guidewire 1000 andpull it into receiving area 1020. As support member 1014 is advancedover guidewire 1000, distal end 1022 advances around the native leaflets(tracking the path of guidewire 1000) and returns towards receiving area1020 of locking member 1016 to form a loop around the native leaflets.

To facilitate advancement of support member 1014, a pushing member 1017(e.g., a catheter or tube) can be positioned proximal to the lockingmember 1016. Pushing member 1017 can be moved distally to advancesupport member 1014 over guidewire 1000 to push or otherwise advancesupport member over guidewire 1000. Pushing member 1017 can be separatefrom locking member 1016 or it can be removable coupled to lockingmember 1016 so that it engages locking member 1016 while pushing lockingmember 1016 distally, but can be disengaged from locking member 1016after the support member 1014 is in the desired position and/or thesupport band is formed.

As shown in FIGS. 43 and 44 , as distal end 1022 moves into receivingarea 1020, locking member 1016 secures distal end 1022 to locking member1016, thereby forming a support band that generally encircles the nativeleaflets (FIG. 45 ). FIG. 43 illustrates the formation of the supportband when support member 1014 is coupled or secured to locking member1016 at both ends (e.g., at both the proximal end 1018 and distal end1022).

Referring to FIG. 44 , an exemplary embodiment for securing lockingmember 1016 to distal end 1022 of support member 1014 is illustrated. Asdiscussed above, proximal end 1018 can be secured to an inner surface1024 of locking member 1016 by any suitable chemical or mechanicalmeans. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 44 , distal end 1022 ismechanically secured to receiving area 1020. Receiving area 1020comprises a securing member 1026 that allows distal end 1022 to moveinto receiving area 1020, but restricts it from moving back out ofreceiving area 1020. In particular, securing member 1026 comprises oneor more tab members that are biased inward, and distal end 1022comprises a nose cone that has an indentation or groove 1028 that canreceive the biased tab member as shown in FIG. 44 . The nose cone 1022preferably has a tapered end so that biased tab member 1026 will slidemore easily along an outer surface of nose cone 1022 as it moves intoreceiving area 1020. When biased tab member 1026 reaches groove 1028,biased tab member 1026 extends into groove 1028 and restricts nose cone1022 from moving back (proximally) out of locking member 1016. Tabmembers 1026 can be formed of any suitable material. In a preferredembodiment, tab members 1026 comprise NiTi spring tabs.

It should be noted that as discussed above, proximal end 1018 can besecured to locking member 1016 after support member 1014 is introducedinto the body of the patient. If proximal end 1018 is configured for insitu securement to locking member 1016, it may be desirable to provide asecuring member such as that described above and shown in FIG. 44 forsecuring the proximal end 1018 to locking member 1016.

As shown in FIG. 45 , once support member 1014 has encircled the nativeleaflets and both ends of support member 1014 are coupled to lockingmember 1016, a THV 1030 can be delivered at least partially through orinside of the support band formed by the support member 1014 and lockingmember 1016 and deployed. The THV 1030 shown in FIG. 45 is a balloonexpandable THV delivered transapically to the mitral valve annulus viaan introducer sheath 400 and balloon delivery catheter 522, as discussedin more detail in other embodiments herein. However, it should beunderstood that other THV devices and delivery methods can be used todeploy a THV inside the support band. For example, THV 1030 can be aself-expanding prosthetic device and/or the THV 1030 can be deliveredpercutaneously to the mitral valve annulus.

As shown in FIG. 46 , once THV 1030 is expanded in the mitral valveannulus and the native leaflets are captured between an outside surfaceof the THV 1030 and an inner surface of the support band, the THVdelivery system (e.g., introducer sheath 400 and/or balloon deliverycatheter 522) can be withdrawn from the left ventricle 1002. Inaddition, if it has not already been withdrawn, pushing member 1017 canalso be withdrawn from the left ventricle 1022 at this time.Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 46 , only THV 1030, the support band(i.e., support member 1014 and locking member 1016) and the guidewire1000 remain in the heart of the patient. As shown in FIG. 47 , guidewire1000 can be withdrawn from the left ventricle (and the patient), leavingthe THV 1030 and support band coupled to the native leaflets of thepatient.

To facilitate the entrapment of the leaflets, the inside diameter of thesupport band (e.g., support member locked in a closed ring shape by thelocking member) is preferably the same size or slightly smaller than thefinal outer diameter of the THV. By providing a support band of such asize, a relatively high retention force can be achieved between thesupport band and the THV upon deployment (expansion) of the THV. Also,tissue can grow around and into the support band further enhancing theretention of the THV. In addition, such an arrangement causes theleaflets to function as a sealing member between the THV and the supportband, which can help reduce the occurrence of paravalvular leaks.Moreover, once the support band is secured in place by the outward forceof the THV, the band tends to apply tension to the native leaflets,thereby pulling inward on the native annulus. Consequently, thisarrangement helps treat the underlying condition by preventing or atleast minimizing dilation of the native annulus. This is in contrast toknown prosthetic devices that push outward on the native annulus andcan, in some situations, exacerbate the underlying condition.

It should be understood that certain steps of the method described aboveand shown in FIGS. 40-47 can vary in the order in which they areperformed. For example, if desired, the pushing member and/or theguidewire can be withdrawn from the patient before expansion of the THV.Such variations will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in theart.

FIGS. 48-54 illustrate systems and methods delivering a support bandaround the native leaflets of a valve (e.g., the mitral valve). Asdiscussed above in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 40-47 , a supportmember can be delivered over a guidewire that at least partiallyencircles the native leaflets. FIG. 48 illustrates a delivery systemthat can more easily deliver the guidewire around the native leaflets.An inner, guidewire delivery catheter 1050 can extend through a maindelivery catheter. The delivery catheter can be any structure that has alumen capable of receiving catheter 1050. In FIG. 48 , the deliverycatheter comprises the combination of the pushing member 1017 andlocking member 1016. Catheter 1050 extends through a first opening 1052in locking member 1016 to exit the delivery catheter.

As noted above, a proximal end 1018 of support member 1014 can besecured to locking member 1016 in situ. In FIG. 48 , the support memberhas not yet been delivered to locking member 1016, which permitscatheter 1050 to be advanced through pusher member 1017 and a firstopening 1052 in locking member 1016. As described below, catheter 1050helps guidewire 1000 form a loop around the native leaflets prior todelivering support member 1014. After the guidewire is positioned aroundthe native leaflets as described below, support member can be advancedthrough pusher member 1017 and its proximal end 1018 can be secured tolocking member 1016 at or within opening 1052.

Alternatively, instead of passing through pusher member 1017 and lockingmember 1016, catheter 1050 can be delivered through another largercatheter. Thus, a larger catheter would replace the pushing member 1017and locking member 1016 shown in FIG. 48 . Once the guidewire isdelivered through catheter 1050 and positioned around the nativeleaflets as described below, catheter 1050 and the larger deliverycatheter can be withdrawn. Then, locking member 1016 and support member1014 can be delivered over the guidewire in the manner described withrespect to FIGS. 40-47 .

Accordingly, catheter 1050 can be delivered through the pushingmember/locking member or through a larger catheter, both of which arecollectively referred to herein as the delivery catheter.

Catheter 1050 can be used to facilitate delivery of guidewire 1000around the native leaflets as follows. Catheter 1050 can be deformableand preshaped (e.g., heat set or formed of a shape memory material) to aspecific curve. Thus, as catheter 1050 is pushed out of first opening1052, it begins to conform to the predetermined curve. As shown in FIG.48 , catheter 1050 preferably is configured to have at least twodifferent bending curves. A first predetermined curve 1054 (distalbending curve) of the catheter 1050 can be, for example, at an angle ofabout 60-180 degrees along a longitudinal axis (x-axis) of the deliverycatheter (e.g., a larger catheter or pushing member 1017). A secondpredetermined curve 1056 (proximal bending curve) can also be of about60-180 degrees. However, the first and second predetermined curves arepreferably not in the same plane. In a preferred embodiment, the firstpredetermined curve 1064 is in a plane that is generally perpendicularto the axis of the delivery catheter (e.g., perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the delivery catheter). Generally perpendicularmeans an angle that is between about 70 and 110 degrees from the axis ofthe delivery catheter. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 50-52 , when a precurvedguidewire 1000 is delivered out a distal end of catheter 1050, guidewire1000 forms a loop that is also generally perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis (x-axis) of the delivery catheter.

Guidewire 1000 can be preformed to have a generally circular shape thathas a diameter that is large enough to encircle the native leaflets ofthe mitral valve. Thus, as shown in FIG. 52 , as guidewire 1000 exitscatheter 1050, it tracks a circular path until it loops back overitself. Referring to FIG. 53 , such an arrangement can facilitate theencircling of the leaflets by guidewire 1000.

In operation, when using a transapical approach as shown in FIG. 53 ,for example, the precurved catheter 1050 can be delivered through anintroducer sheath 400 and a delivery catheter 1066. As catheter 1050exits the delivery catheter 1066 it curves away from the longitudinalaxis of the delivery catheter and approaches a position on the outflowside of the native leaflets of the mitral valve. Precurved guidewire1000 can then be pushed distally out of catheter 1050. Because precurvedguidewire 1000 natural condition is a generally circular shape,guidewire 1000 begins to encircle the native leaflets as it advances outof catheter 1050.

As shown in FIG. 54 , once guidewire 1000 generally surrounds the nativeleaflets, a snare catheter 1070 can be passed through the deliverycatheter 1066 (or through receiving area 1020 as shown in FIG. 48 , ifthe delivery catheter includes the locking member) to capture the end ofguidewire 1000 and bring it back to second opening 1066. Then, supportmember 1014 can be delivered over the guidewire 1000 as described abovewith respect to FIGS. 40-47 . After the support member is locked intothe form of the support band, a THV can be delivered as shown in FIG. 55(and as described in other embodiments) to capture or otherwise pinchthe native leaflets between the support band and the THV.

FIG. 56 illustrates another delivery system for delivering a supportband around the native leaflets of a valve (e.g., the mitral valve).Delivery system 1100 comprises a first, steerable catheter 1102 and asecond pre-shaped catheter 1104 that can be advanced from a distal end1106 of catheter 1102. Catheter 1104 can be pre-shaped (e.g., heat setor formed of a shape memory material) to a specific curve. Thus, asshown in FIG. 56 , catheter 1102 can be curved to form a first bend 1108and catheter 1104 can extend from catheter 1102 and form a second bend1110. As shown in FIG. 56 , catheter 1102 forms a first plane 1103 andcatheter 1104 forms a second plane 1105 of an orientation different fromthat of first plane 1103.

The orientations of first and second catheters 1102, 1104 can begenerally fixed by providing an orientation fixing element (e.g., aninterlocking or interconnecting pathway, such as a key-way) between thetwo catheters. Such orientation fixing elements can maintain therelative orientations of first and second catheters 1102, 1104 to ensurethat the relative planes 1103, 1105 of the catheters are appropriatelyoriented for placement in the vicinity of the mitral valve.

Referring to FIG. 57 , catheter 1102 can be advanced through an aorticvalve 1112 so that a distal end 1114 of catheter 1104 is positionedadjacent the chordae tendineae 1116 and/or leaflets of a mitral valve1118. Once the distal end of catheter 1104 is positioned adjacent thechordae tendineae 1116 of mitral valve 1118, a guidewire can be passedaround at least some of the chordae tendineae 116 as described above(e.g., generally forming a loop around the native leaflets as shown inFIG. 42A).

To further define a path encircling the chordae tendineae 1116 of mitralvalve 1118, a third catheter 1120 can extend from distal end 1114 ofcatheter 1104. Catheter 1120 can be configured to extend from distal end1114 so that a distal end 1122 of catheter 1120 is generally aligned anddirected to define a plane that is co-planar with the plane of themitral annulus. As shown in FIG. 57 , in this manner, a guidewire 1124can be delivered through catheter 1120 until guidewire 1124substantially encircles the chordae tendineae 1116 of mitral valve 1118.To further facilitate the encircling of the chordae tendineae 1116 ofmitral valve 1118, catheter 1120 preferably is pre-shaped (e.g., heatset or formed of a shape memory material) to a curvature that generallycorresponds to a curvature of a circle sized to surround the chordaetendineae 1116 of mitral valve 1118.

Thus, guidewire 1124 can be advanced through respective catheters 1102,1104, 1120 to generally form a loop around the chordae tendineae 1116 ofmitral valve 1118 in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 52 . Onceguidewire 1124 is generally formed into a loop around the chordaetendineae 1116 of mitral valve 1118, guidewire 1124 can then be capturedby a snare catheter (as described in more detail below, for example,with respect to FIG. 54 and FIGS. 95A and 95 ). After snaring guidewire1124, guidewire 1124 can then be advanced back into one or more ofcatheters 1102, 1104, 1120 to a desired position for advancement of asupport member over guidewire 1124. In one embodiment, guidewire 1124can be advanced back entirely through one or more catheters to anintroducer sheath.

After guidewire 1124 is in the desired position (e.g., with both endsaccessible to a physician and with a portion of guidewire 1124substantially encircling the chordae tendineae 1116), a support membercan be advanced over guidewire 1124 as described above with respect toFIGS. 42-47 .

FIG. 58 illustrates another embodiment of a support member 1130 that canbe advanced around the chordae tendineae 1116 of mitral valve 1118 andlinked end-to-end to form a support band. Support member 1130 cancomprise a locking member 1132 (e.g., a locker socket), a distal end1134 that is configured to be coupled to locking member 1032, and alongitudinally extending linking portion 1136. Linking portion 1136 cancomprise a braided member that has a cover or sheath generallysurrounding the braided member. The cover can be formed of variousmaterials, including for example, synthetic fibers such as polyethyleneterephthalate (PET).

FIGS. 59 and 60 illustrates support member 1130 being delivered overguidewire 1124. A pushing member 1138 can be positioned proximal tolocking member 1132 to push and/or direct support member over guidewire1124. Pushing member 1138 can also comprise a retaining member 1140releasably coupled to locking member 1132 of support member 1130 toengage support member 1130. As shown in FIG. 60 , support member 1130can be advanced over guidewire 1124 (e.g., by moving pushing member 1138distally along guidewire 1124) until distal end 1134 advances back andinto a portion of locking member 1132 to form a support band around thechordae tendineae 1116 of mitral valve 1118. As described above withrespect to FIG. 43 , distal end 1134 can be configured to be receivedwithin a portion of locking member 1132, thereby securing distal end1134 to locking member 1132 and forming a support band.

FIG. 61 illustrates another embodiment of a support member 1150 that canbe advanced around the chordae tendineae 1116 of mitral valve 1118 toform a support band. Support member 1150 is a coiled, expandablering-shaped element that can provide radial rigidity in the vicinity ofa mitral valve (e.g., valve leaflets and chordae region) to improvefixation of a prosthetic valve deployed within the annulus of a mitralvalve.

Support member 1150 has a first end 1152 and a second end 1154. FIG. 61illustrates an opening 1156 in first end 1152 that is positioned toengage with an extending portion 1158 (e.g., a bump or raised portion)on the delivery device to help retain support member 1150 within thedelivery device until fully deployed. If desired, a locking element canbe provided to secure first and second ends 1152, 1154 together. Forexample, in other embodiments, an extending portion (e.g., a bump orraised portion) can be provided on second end 1154 to allow first andsecond ends 1152, 1154 to be coupled together.

FIG. 62 illustrates a delivery device 1160 for retaining and deliveringsupport member 1150. Delivery device 1160 can comprise a main body 1162that has a port 1164 near a distal end portion 1166. FIG. 63 illustratesmain body 1162 with support member 1150 positioned in the vicinity ofport 1164 for deployment.

A retaining member (e.g., an extending portion) 1168 can be providedadjacent to side port 1164 to hold one end of support member 1150 withindelivery device 1160 prior to and during deployment. As shown in FIG. 62, retaining member can comprise a spring member 1168 that is biased toextend into opening 1156 to secure one end of support member 1150 withinmain body 1162 until it is desirable to fully release support member1150 from delivery device 1160.

A deployment shaft 1170 can be coupled to a deployment knob or handle1172 to allow for rotation of deployment shaft 1170 relative to mainbody 1162. In operation, delivery device 1160 can be deliveredtransapically into the vicinity of the mitral valve and support member1150 can be released from main body 1162 as shown in FIGS. 64A-64E.

FIGS. 64A-64E illustrate cross-sectional views of support member 1150and delivery system 1160 as support member 1150 is deployed. As shown inFIG. 64A, support member 1150 is coiled or rolled up within main body1162 in the vicinity of port 1164, with first end 1152 of support member1150 being generally aligned with port 1164. By rotating deploymentshaft 1170 in the direction shown by arrow 1174, first end 1152 ofsupport member 1150 extends out of port 1164 to begin delivery ofsupport band 1150 around the mitral valve leaflets. FIGS. 64B-64Eillustrate the advancement of support band 1150 out of port 1164 untilsupport member 1150 is fully deployed to form a support band thatextends substantially around the mitral valve leaflets. For clarity, themitral valve leaflets are not illustrated in FIGS. 64A-64E.

Once support member 1150 is fully deployed from delivery device 1160, aprosthetic heart valve 1180 can be deployed within support member 1150,as described in other embodiments herein. FIG. 65 illustrates prostheticheart valve 1180 expanded within a fully deployed support member 1150.

Support member 1150 can be formed of various materials. For example,support member 1150 can be formed of polymers or metals (e.g., nitinol).Moreover, in addition to comprising a coiled sheet of material as shownin FIG. 61 , support member 1150 can be formed with an open frameconfiguration as shown in FIG. 66 . The open frame configuration shownin FIG. 66 can be formed, for example, by laser cutting a flat sheet ofnitinol or other materials. In addition, as shown in FIG. 66 , a latchor locking member 1184 can be provided on a first and/or second end1152, 1154 to engage with the opposing end or side of support member1150 to secure first and second ends 1152, 1154 to one another.

Although the description above describes a precurved catheter and aprecurved guidewire, it should be understood that other structures canbe used with similar results. For example, rather than delivering aguidewire to receive a support member (FIGS. 53-55 ), it may bedesirable to deliver a support band itself using a precurved catheterand a precurved support member delivered through the precurved catheter.Similar to guidewire 1000 shown in FIGS. 53-55 , the support member canbe precurved so that it forms a circular shape and at least partiallysurrounds the native leaflets. A securing mechanism can then bedelivered to secure two ends of the support member in various ways. Forexample, a snare catheter 1070 (FIG. 54 ) can capture a distal end ofthe support member and a securing mechanism can be delivered over bothends of the support member in the same general manner as that describedand shown above with respect to FIGS. 23-24 .

Depending on the anatomical approach to the mitral valve various otherprecurved configurations may be desirable. For example, for thetransapical approach shown in FIGS. 53-55 it is desirable that the loopof the guidewire (or other curving member) is approximatelyperpendicular to the axis of the delivery catheter. Other approachessuch as the approach through the aortic annulus may require other anglesbetween the delivery system and the plane formed by the loop ofguidewire (or other curving member).

Other methods of delivering a support band and THV to the mitral valveor any other heart valve are also possible. For example, in certainembodiments, the support band and the THV are delivered surgically tothe desired heart valve (e.g., in an open-heart surgical procedure).Furthermore, in certain embodiments in which the support band and THVare delivered surgically, non-compressible THVs are used.

In particular embodiments, the support member may have magnetic endportions that are magnetically attracted to each other to form andmaintain a looped configuration within the heart. FIG. 67A, for example,shows a support member 1200 comprising an elongated tubular member 1201and two half-spherical magnetic end portions 1202, 1204 with magneticpads, or end portions, 1206, 1208 connected to respective ends 1216,1218 of the tubular member 1201 by respective extender arms 1210, 1212.The end portions 1202, 1204 are magnetically attracted to each other andtherefore form a magnetic connection between the end surfaces 1202,1204, as depicted in FIG. 67B, when brought in close proximity to eachother. The magnetic connection is strong enough to hold the end portions1206, 1208 against each other once implanted in the heart.

As used herein, the term “magnetic” refers to any material that ismagnetized and produces a magnetic field and/or any material thatbecomes magnetized when brought in close proximity to a magnet. Thus,the end portions 1202, 1204 can be permanent magnets having end surfaces1206, 1208 of opposite poles. Alternatively, one of the end portions1202, 1204 (or a portion thereof) can be a permanent magnet and theother of the end portions 1202, 1204 can be a material that can bemagnetized when placed in close proximity to a permanent magnet. Forexample, one of the end portions 1202, 1204 can be a ferromagneticmaterial, such as iron, nickel, cobalt, and alloys thereof, whichbecomes magnetized when placed in close proximity to a permanent magnet.

The extender arms 1210, 1212 may, in certain embodiments, be flexibleand aid the end portions 1202, 1204 in coming together. The supportmember 1200 can have a guidewire lumen 1214 extending the length of thesupport member 1200 so that it can be advanced over a guidewire duringdelivery of the support member 1200 though the patient's vasculature.Methods for delivering the support member 1200 are described in detailbelow. The tubular member 1201 can be made of any of various suitablebiocompatible polymers, such as polyurethane or silicone, and can havecloth covering (e.g., a PET covering).

In some embodiments, the extender arms 1210, 1212 can be excluded. FIGS.69A and 69B, for example, show a support member 1400 comprising anelongated tubular member 1401 and two magnetic end portions 1402, 1404that can form a magnetic connection when placed in close proximity toeach other. The end portions 1402, 1404 can be connected directly to theterminal ends 1410, 1412 of the tubular member 1401. The end portions1402, 1404 can have flat end surfaces 1406, 1408 that can join togetheras shown in FIG. 69B to bring both ends of the support member 1400together and hold them flush against one another.

As shown in FIGS. 69A and 69B, the cross-sectional diameter of the endportions 1402, 1404 may be equal to the cross-sectional diameter of thetubular member 1401. Thus, when the end portions 1402, 1404 areconnected to each other, the diameter of the outer surface of thesupport member 1400 is substantially continuous along its entire length,which has the advantage of reducing the risk of adjacent tissue gettingcaught on the support member.

Instead of having flattened ends, the magnetic end portions mayalternatively have contoured mating surfaces. The support member canhave a magnetic protruding member and a magnetic receiving member with amagnetic receiving area complementary to the magnetic protruding member.FIG. 68A shows an exemplary support member 1300 comprising an elongatedtubular member 1301 and a magnetic protruding member 1302 at a first end1310 of the tubular member and a magnetic receiving member 1304 at asecond end 1312 of the tubular member 1301. The receiving member 1304can have a magnetic receiving area 1308 complementary to the magneticprotruding member 1302. In the illustrated example, the protrudingmember 1302 is spherical or ball shaped and the receiving area 1308comprises a concave surface shaped to correspond to the outer surface ofthe ball. The entirety of the magnetic protruding member 1302 and themagnetic receiving member 1304 can be magnetized or magnetic. In someembodiments, only part of the magnetic protruding member 1302 ismagnetized or magnetic such as, for example, only the leading end 1306of the member. Likewise, in some embodiments, only part of the magneticreceiving member is magnetized or magnetic such as, for example, onlythe magnetic receiving area 1308. FIG. 68B shows the ball-shaped endportion 1306 securely placed within the magnetic receiving member 1304,thus forming a closed support ring. The support member 1300 can alsoinclude a guidewire lumen 1314 to assist delivering the support memberto the heart.

FIGS. 70A and 70B show a support member 1500, according to anotherembodiment. The support member 1500 comprises a tubular member 1501comprising a magnetic receiving member 1504 and a magnetic protrudingmember 1506 connected to respective ends 1512, 1510 of the tubularmember 1501. Connecting the ball-shaped magnetic protruding member 1502into the magnetic receiving area 1508 of the magnetic receiving member1504 results in a flush connection between the ends 1510, 1512 of thesupport member 1500. The magnetic protruding member 1502 may be insertedinto the magnetic receiving member 1504 from the side. As illustrated inFIG. 70A, the magnetic receiving member 1504 has a side opening 1516through which the protruding member 1502 can be inserted to seat withinthe magnetic receiving area 1508. As can be seen, the magnetic receivingmember 1504 is shaped to prevent separation of the protruding member1506 away from the receiving member 1504 in the circumferentialdirection. In this manner, members 1504, 1506 are shaped to provide amechanical coupling or locking feature to help maintain the supportmember in a ring configuration, in addition to the magnetic forcesbetween the members 1504 and 1506.

FIG. 71 illustrates a support member 1600 comprising a guidewire lumen1614 and a tapered triangular magnetic protruding member 1602 that isconnectable to and seats within a magnetic receiving area 1603 of amagnetic receiving member 1604. The protruding member 1602 and thereceiving member 1604 can be connected to respective end portions 1610,1612 of a main body 1601 of the support member 1600. The magneticprotruding member 1602 and/or the magnetic receiving member 1604 mayhave respective extender arms 1607, 1608 which may be flexible and mayaid the magnetic protruding member 1602 in connecting to and seatingwithin the magnetic receiving area 1603 of the magnetic receiving member1604.

FIG. 72 shows an alternate embodiment of a support member 1700comprising guidewire lumen 1714 and a magnetic protruding member 1702having a tapered (conical) leading end portion 1706 which may connect toand seat within a magnetic receiving area 1708 of a magnetic receivingmember 1704 such that connecting the tapered magnetic protruding member1702 into a complementary magnetic receiving area 1708 results in aflush connection between the ends 1710, 1712 of the main body 1701 ofthe support member 1700. The receiving member 1704 may have a sideopening 1716 sized and shaped to receive the protruding member 1702. Themagnetic protruding member 1702 may have an extender arm 1709 which maybe flexible and may aid the magnetic protruding member 1702 in seatingwithin the magnetic receiving area 1708.

FIGS. 73A and 73B illustrate another embodiment of a support member 1800similar to the support members 1500, 1600, and 1700 illustrated in FIGS.70A, 70B, 71, and 72 in an open configuration and a closedconfiguration, respectively. The support member 1800 comprises a mainbody 1801 with a first end portion 1814, a second end portion 1816, anda guidewire lumen 1818 extending longitudinally therethrough. Aprotruding member 1802 comprises a hemispherical leading end portion1806 disposed on an extender arm 1810. A receiving member 1804 comprisesa receiving area or receptacle 1822 disposed on an extender arm 1812.The receiving area 1822 includes a complementarily shaped side opening1808. In the illustrated embodiment, the hemispherical leading endportion 1806 slides into the side opening 1808 along an insertion paththat includes a radial component. In some embodiments, the insertionpath also includes a longitudinal component with a direction from aproximal end to a distal end of the receiving member body 1822. Thehemispherical leading end portion 1806 and side opening 1808 are shapedto resist uncoupling by longitudinal pulling force.

In other embodiments, a support member can have more than one magneticprotruding member and more than one magnetic receiving area eachconfigured to receive a respective magnetic protruding member. Asillustrated in FIG. 74 , for example, a support member 1900 can comprisea main body 1901 comprising first and second opposing end portions 1902,1904, respectively, a plurality of spherical magnetic protruding members1906 (two in the illustrated embodiment) extending from the first endportion 1902 of the main body 1901, and a magnetic receiving member 1908connected to the second end portion 1904 of the main body 1901. Themagnetic receiving member 1908 comprises a plurality of magneticreceiving areas 1910 (two in the illustrated embodiment), each of whichcomprises a complementary size and shape to receive a respectivemagnetic protruding member 1906. Each receiving area 1910 can be formedwith a respective side opening 1912 through which a respectiveprotruding member 1906 can be inserted in order to seat within thereceiving area.

FIG. 75 shows a similar support member with multiple protruding membersand receiving areas of the type shown in FIG. 72 . As shown in FIG. 75 asupport member 2000 can comprise a main body 2001 comprising first andsecond opposing end portions 2002, 2004, respectively, a plurality oftapered, conical magnetic protruding members 2006 (two in theillustrated embodiment) extending from the first end portion 2002 of themain body, and a magnetic receiving member 2008 connected to the secondend portion 2004 of the main body. The magnetic receiving member 2008comprises a plurality of magnetic receiving areas 2010 (two in theillustrated embodiment), each of which comprises a complementary sizeand shape to receive a respective magnetic protruding member 2006. Eachreceiving area 2010 can be formed with a respective side opening 2012through which a respective protruding member 2006 can be inserted inorder to seat within the receiving area.

It should be noted that a magnetic protruding member and complementaryreceiving area can have shapes other than shown in the illustratedembodiment, such as square, rectangle, diamond shaped, frusto-conical,pyramidal, or various combinations therefore. Also, a receiving areaneed not have a shape that is identical to a corresponding protrudingmember, as long as the receiving area is sized to allow the protrudingmember to be inserted into the receiving area. In other embodiments, asupport member can have a plurality of protruding members wherein notall of the protruding members have the same size and/or shape. Forexample, one protruding member can be spherical (as shown in FIG. 74 )while another protruding member can be conical (as shown in FIG. 75 ).In other embodiments, the first end portion and second end portion, forexample, the first end portion 2002 and the second end portion 2004illustrated in FIG. 75 , each includes at least one protruding member2006 and at least one receiving member 2010, respectively. Inalternative embodiments, a support member can have at least oneprotruding member and at least one receiving member of the type shown inFIG. 70A, 70B, 72, 73A, 73B, 74 or 75 that are not magnetic and onlyrely on the mechanical coupling between the protruding member and thereceiving member to maintain the support member in a ring configuration,either alone or in combination with the magnetic coupling mechanismsdisclosed herein.

A soft, pliable and/or distensible support member can alleviate abrasionand other trauma on native tissue once implanted. In some embodiments,the support member has a relatively soft and/or distensible innersurface that minimizes crush, abrasion or other mechanical damage to thechordae tendineae and native valve leaflets. The soft, pliabledistensible ring may comprise a flexible member selected from a varietyof possible architectures or configurations, including but not limitedto a hollow, flexible cylindrical tube or a wound cable. Exemplarymaterials that can be used to form the support member include, forexample, a metal alloy, a polymeric extrusion or a silicon material. Theselected material may, optionally, be polyfluorotetraethylene (PTFE) orpolycarbonate urethane. In an exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 85-86(which is further described below), a support member 3000 may bepre-curved. In various embodiments, a support member may be pre-disposedtowards a ring formation based on characteristics such as differences incompliance of different parts of the support member. In one embodiment,a support member is pre-curved and is more compliant in the direction ofthe curvature (ring closing) than in the opposite direction (ringopening).

In some embodiments, a support member may have multiple components whichmay have different degrees of stiffness. The distensible ring formedwhen the ends of the support member are fastened may be equallydistensible throughout its thickness or may, alternatively, have atleast one highly distensible portion that abuts sensitive anatomicalstructures such as the chordae tendineae. In some embodiments, the endsof the support member near and/or including any locking/magnetic membersmay be comparably less distensible than the main body of the supportmember.

FIG. 76A shows an exemplary multi-component support member 2100comprising a main body 2108 in the form of an internal support member orring, an elongated internal flexible band or member 2102 made of a soft,distensible and/or elastomeric material extending through a lowerportion of the internal support ring 2108, a guidewire lumen 2106extending through an upper portion of the internal support ring 2108,and an internal stiffening member 2104 extending through a middleportion of the internal support ring 2108.

The flexible band 2102 can be made of a relatively soft elastomeric orviscoelastic material, such as a silicone material (e.g., siliconerubber), polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethanes (e.g., PELLETHANE®,Lubrizol Advanced Materials), natural rubber, or any of varioussynthetic elastomers. The stiffening member 2104 is comparatively lessdistensible, flexible and/or elastic than both the internal flexibleband 2102 and the internal support ring member 2108 and can be made ofany various suitable metals, metal alloys (e.g., stainless steel,nitinol), polymers (e.g., polyether block amide (PEBAX®, Arkema),polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene) or combinations thereof. Theinternal support ring 2108 can be made of a flexible polymericextrusion, such as silicone, polyurethane, rubber, polypropylene, etc.In particular embodiments, the internal support ring 2108 is moredistensible, flexible and/or elastic than the stiffening member 2104 butmay be less distensible, flexible and/or elastic than the internalflexible band 2102. The disclosed embodiments are not limited to anyparticular composition or material for any component, including theinternal support member 2108, the internal flexible band 2102, or theinternal stiffening member 2104.

For additional cushioning, the support member 2100 can have an outercover 2110 around the entire exterior surface of the internal supportring 2108. The outer cover 2110 can be formed from any of varioussuitable materials, including various fabrics (e.g., PET cloth) or anon-woven layer of polymeric material (e.g., a layer of silicone rubberor foam). In alternative embodiments, the outer cover 2110 or multiplesections of the cover can be positioned so as to cover only thoseportions of the support member 2100 exterior surface which may contactsensitive anatomical structures or any part thereof. In certainembodiments, the support member has an outer cover specifically onportion(s) of the support member anticipated to be in possible contactwith the chordae tendineae and/or the native leaflets of the valve. Forexample, the outer cover can be positioned to extend over the lowersurface and/or the inside exterior surface of the internal support ring2108 to provide a covering at locations 2112 and 2116 of the supportmember. In some embodiments, the outer cover 2110 can be selected topromote tissue in-growth and/or can be coated with a substance thatpromotes tissue in-growth in order to provide additional support to theimplant over time.

FIG. 76B shows an alternative embodiment of the support member 2100 inwhich the internal support ring 2108 is excluded and a separate tubularmember 2118 is provided to define the guidewire lumen 2106. The flexibleband 2102, the stiffening member 2104, and the tubular member 2118 canbe tightly wrapped by the outer cover 2110. The stiffening member 2104optionally can be fused, welded and/or adhesively secured to the tubularmember 2118 and/or the flexible band 2102.

FIG. 77 shows a support member 2200 according to another embodiment. Thesupport member 2200 comprises an internal support ring 2208, an internalflexible band or member 2202 placed medially within the support ring2208 (adjacent to the inside boundary 2216 of the ring formed by thesupport member 2200), a stiffening member 2204 centrally located withinthe support ring 2208, and a guide wire lumen 2206 placed laterally(adjacent the outside boundary of the ring formed by the supportmember). The support member 2200 can also have an outer cover 2210covering the entire outer surface of the internal support ring 2208 orselected portions of the outer surface of the internal support ring2208.

FIG. 78 shows a support member 2300 according to another embodiment. Thesupport member 2300 can comprises a relatively flexible internal band ormember 2302 (similar to band 2102) and an outer cover 2306 (e.g., afabric covering) which can be folded around the internal band 2302 so asto form a discrete space(s) such as an open area 2308 that is sized toreceive a guidewire tube 2304 that receives a guidewire duringimplantation of the support member. Alternatively, the tube 2304 can beexcluded and a guidewire can be inserted through the space 2308 withinthe support member during implantation of the support member. Inparticular embodiments, the flexible band 2302 is positioned towards amedial side 2310 of the ring formed by the support member and theguidewire tube 2304 is positioned toward a lateral side 2312 of the ringformed by the support member 2300.

FIG. 79 shows a support member 2400 according to another embodiment. Thesupport member 2400 comprises a compliant, inflatable balloon 2402,which can be filled with a suitable inflating medium, including a gas(e.g., air), a liquid (e.g., saline), or a curable solid or semi-solidpolymeric material that can be introduced into the balloon in a liquidstate and then cured once inside the balloon. The support member 2400has a main shaft 2404 that extends through the balloon 2402 and isconnected at its opposite ends to coupling members 2406 and 2408. A mainlumen 2410 extends through the shaft 2404 and the coupling members 2406,2408, and is in fluid communication with an opening 2412 formed in thecoupling member 2406. The shaft 2404 can be formed with one or moreopenings 2414 along its length inside of the balloon 2402 to allow aninflation fluid introduced into the lumen 2410 to flow through theopenings 2414 and into the balloon 2402.

In use, the support member 2400 is introduced into a patient's body andadvanced into the heart while the balloon is in a deflated state. Thesupport member 2400 is advanced around the native mitral valve leafletsand/or the chordae tendineae and then the coupling members 2406, 2408are secured to each other to form a ring. In the illustrated embodiment,the coupling 2406 comprises a male protruding member and the couplingmember 2408 comprises a female receiving member that is adapted to bereceive the male protruding member in the manner illustrated in FIG.70B. The coupling members 2406, 2408 can be magnetic members that aremagnetically attracted to each other, as described above. Prior to orafter connecting the coupling members 2406, 2408 to each other, theballoon is in inflated, such as by introducing a pressurized inflationfluid into the opening 2412. The length of the balloon 2402 desirably isselected such that the inflated balloon contacts all or substantiallyall of the tissue that is surrounded by the support member. The supportmember 2400 may have a balloon filling nozzle which may, optionally, beintegrated into the one of the coupling members 2406, 2408.

FIG. 80 shows a support member 2500 according to another embodimentcomprising an inflatable balloon 2502, a magnetic protruding member 2504coupled to one end of the balloon 2502, and a magnetic receiving member2506 coupled to the other end of the balloon 2502. The magneticreceiving member 2506 comprises a receiving area 2508 that is sized andshape to mate with the protruding member 2504. The magnetic protrudingmember 2504 can serve as a filling nozzle for introducing an inflationfluid or filling material into the balloon. In that regard, the magneticprotruding member 2504 can have an opening 2510, which is in fluidcommunication with a lumen that in turn is in fluid communication withthe inside of the balloon. To inflate the balloon, the protruding member2504 can be connected to a conduit (which can be a component of adelivery system) which is fluidly coupled to a source of an inflationfluid or a filling material. For example, the support member 2500 can beimplanted within the left ventricle by a delivery catheter that has aconduit (such as a lumen of a shaft) fluidly coupled to a source of aninflation fluid or a filling material.

In certain embodiments, a removable tip or cap can be attached to orplaced over the opening 2510 of the magnetic protruding member 2502. Thecap can be removed to permit filling the balloon with an inflation fluidor a filling material and then replaced after the balloon is inflated toretain the inflation fluid or filling material inside the balloon. Inother embodiments, the protruding member 2504 can be a “pop-up” typefilling nozzle that is extendable from and retractable into an endportion 2512 of the support member. When the protruding member 2504 isin an extended position extending from the end portion 2512, a fluidconduit can be connected to the protruding member 2504 to introduce aninflation fluid or a filling material into the balloon. After theballoon is inflated, the protruding member 2504 can be pushed into theend portion 2512 to its retracted position, in which the protrudingmember is configured to retain the inflation fluid or the fillingmaterial inside the balloon. In another embodiment, a “pop-up” typefilling nozzle (not shown) can extend from the end of the magneticprotruding member 2504 and can be slidable between an extended positionfor introducing an inflating medium into the balloon and a retractedposition to retain the inflating medium inside the balloon. In yetanother embodiment, a one-way valve or check valve can be disposedwithin the end portion 2512 of the support member. The valve isconfigured to allow an inflating medium to flow through the protrudingmember 2504, the end portion 2512 and into the balloon, but prevent theinflating medium inside the balloon from flowing in the oppositedirection.

FIG. 81 shows a support member 2600 according to another embodiment. Thesupport member 2600 comprises a main body 2602 (also referred to as aninternal support ring) made of a flexible, elastomeric, and/ordistensible material, such as a polymeric extrusion (e.g., siliconerubber, polyurethane, etc). The support member 2600 comprises astiffening member 2604 serving as an internal support structure whichruns along the length of the support member 2600 and which is embeddedwithin the main body 2602. The stiffening member 2604 is relatively lessflexible, elastomeric, and/or distensible than the main body 2602 can bemade from a variety of suitable materials, including but not limited to,metals, metal alloys (e.g., stainless steel, nitinol), and relativelystiff polymers (e.g., polyether block amide (PEBAX®, Arkema), highdensity polyethylene, nylon). The stiffening member 2604 can be in theform of a solid piece of material, such as an elongated rectangular baras shown or a cylindrical bar, or a coil spring.

The support member 2600 can also have a main central lumen 2606,preferably running medial to the stiffening member 2604, creating theability for the support member 2600 to collapse inward (towards thecentral axis of the implanted support member 2600) and into the centrallumen 2606 when pressed against a surrounded structure such as a chordaetendineae or native valve leaflets. In this manner, the main lumen 2606enhances the distensibility of the main body to reduce trauma to tissuecontacting the support member 2600. Desirably, the stiffening member2604 is lateral to the main lumen 2606 since the most sensitiveanatomical structures will be on the medial side 2614 of the supportmember 2600 once its ends are joined together to form the support ring.The support member 2600 can also have another lumen 2608 size to receivea guidewire and/or catheter during implantation of the support member2600. The support member 2600 can also have an outer cover 2610 coveringthe entire outer surface of the main body 2602 or selected portions ofthe outer surface of the main body 2602.

In alternative embodiments, a support member 2600 can also have aninternal flexible member 2102 (FIG. 76A) embedded within the main body2602 to the medial or lateral side of the main lumen 2606. In stillalternative embodiments, a support member 2600 can have the constructionshown in FIG. 81 except that the stiffening member 2604 is excluded.

FIGS. 82 and 83 show a support member 2800 according to anotherembodiment. The support member 2800 comprises an elongated body 2802 inthe form of an inflatable balloon, a magnetic male connecting portion2804 coupled to one end of the body, and a magnetic female connectingportion 2806 coupled to the opposite end of the body. The support member2800 can be formed with a guidewire lumen 2808 extending through thebody 2802 and the connecting portions 2804, 2806. The male connectingportion 2804 can comprise an inner annular wall or protruding member2810 and an outer annular wall or protruding member 2812 spaced from theinner protruding member 2810 so as to define an annular spacetherebetween. The female connecting portion 2806 can comprise an innerannular wall or protruding member 2814 and an outer annular wall orprotruding member 2816 spaced from the inner protruding member 2814 soas to define an annular space therebetween. The end portions 2804, 2806can be connected to each other by inserting the inner protruding member2810 into the inner protruding member 2814 and inserting the outerprotruding member 2812 into the annular space between protruding members2814 and 2816. At least a portion of each of the end portions 2804, 2806can be magnetic such that the end portions magnetically connect to eachother when end portion 2804 is inserted into end portion 2806.

The inner protruding member 2810 can comprise a filling nozzle that isin fluid communication with the interior of the balloon 2802. The nozzleis connectable to a conduit that introduces an inflating medium throughthe nozzle and into the balloon. The nozzle can a “pop-up” style nozzlethat can be extended and exposed for use and retracted after the balloonis inflated, as described above.

A support member can comprise an inflatable balloon designed to curveupon inflation or filling as shown in FIGS. 85-87 . This curvature inthe balloon may limit kinking and/or predispose the support member toform a ring. The balloon may also have an inner wall that is thinnerthan an outer wall, which may also result in reduced kinking. The endsof the curved support member can be connectable to each other usingvarious techniques and mechanisms, including a mechanical lockingconnection, a magnetic connection, or a surgical connection.

FIGS. 84 and 85 shows a support member 3000 according to anotherembodiment comprising an elongated, curved body 3002, a first tab member3006 connected to a first end 3010 of the body 3002 and a second tabmember 3008 connected to a second end 3012 of the body 3002. The body3002 of the support member 3000 can have any of various configurationsdisclosed herein. The tab members 3006, 3008 can be magnetic and/or canhave respective one or more through holes 3014, 3016 for securing thetab members together. In certain embodiments, the tab members 3006, 3008are magnetic and can be configured to connect with one anothertop-to-bottom. As shown in FIG. 84 , in lieu of or in addition to themagnetic connection, the tab members 3006, 3008 can be secured to eachother using sutures or wires 3020 extending through openings 3014, 3016.FIG. 86 shows one end portion of a support member 3100 comprising a tabmember 3108 having multiple openings 3102 (three in the illustratedembodiment) for receiving sutures or wires for securing the tab member3108 to another tab member 3108 at the opposite end of the supportmember 3100.

FIG. 87 shows a support member 3200 according to another embodimentcomprising an elongated body 3202, a first tab member 3206 connected toa first end 3210 of the body 3002 and a second tab member 3208 connectedto a second end 3212 of the body 3002. Each tab member 3206, 3208 canhave one or more openings 3220. As shown, the body 3202 can bepre-curved (i.e., the body 3202 assumes a curved configuration beforethe tab members 3206, 3208 are secured to each other to form a ring)such that tabs members 3206, 3208 may be offset by a distance a whichallows the support to more accurately conform to the geometry at thediseased valve annulus. In particular embodiments, the amount of theoffset distance a is the about equal to the thickness of a tab member3206, 3208 so that the ring's inner diameter can remain nearly the sameonce the two tab members are stacked together. In particularembodiments, the distance a is in the range of about 3.0 mm to about 4.0mm.

The embodiments of the support members of FIGS. 84-87 have tab membersthat can be secured to each other using sutures or wire, or small metal(e.g., stainless steel, nitinol) or polymer (e.g., HDPE, nylon) clips.Thus, the support members of these embodiments can be implantedsurgically (e.g., via open heart surgery or a minimally invasive surgeryconducted through a small port in the chest while the patient is on aby-pass machine).

FIG. 88 illustrates the percutaneous implantation of a support member3300 around the native mitral valve chordae tendineae and leaflets via atransfemoral delivery approach. The support member 3300 comprises amagnetic protruding member 3302, and a magnetic receiving member 3304having a receiving area 3306 configured to mate with the magneticprotruding member 3302 as described in detail above. Prior to deliveringthe support member 3300, a guidewire 3308 can be deliveredtransfemorally, traversing the aortic arch and aortic annulus and thenentering the left ventricle where it extends around the native mitralvalve leaflets and back through the aortic annulus and into the aorta. Acatheter 3314 can be used to assist in deploying the guidewire aroundthe native mitral valve leaflets and a snare catheter can be deployedfrom the catheter 3314 to snare the distal end of the guidewire 3308 andretract it back into the catheter 3314 as described herein. The supportmember 3300 can then be deployed from the catheter 3314 and advancedalong the guidewire 3308 so as to encircle the native mitral valvechordae tendineae and leaflets. As depicted in FIG. 88 , the supportmember 3300 can be advanced along the guidewire 3308 until the magneticprotruding portion 3302 is in proximity to the magnetic receiving member3306, which can attract each other and cause the magnetic protrudingportion 3302 to seat within the magnetic receiving member 3306. Afterthe end portions are connected to each other, the guidewire 3308 can beretracted from the support member and removed from the patient's body. Aprosthetic heart valve can then be deployed within the native mitralvalve such that the native leaflets are captured between the supportmember 3300 and the prosthetic valve as described herein.

FIG. 89 shows an enlarged view of the distal end portion of the catheter3314, according to one embodiment. The catheter 3414 can have a firstlumen 3316 and a second lumen 3318 that open at the distal end of thecatheter. The guidewire 3308 can extend outwardly from the first lumen3316, around the native mitral valve chordae tendineae and leaflets, andback into the second lumen 3318. A snare catheter (described herein) canbe deployed from the second lumen 3318, snare the distal end of theguidewire 3308, and retract it back into the second lumen 3318. As shownin FIG. 89 , the progress of the support member 3300 along the guidewire3308 may be aided by a pushing member 3320 deployed from the first lumen3316 of the catheter 3314. In the embodiment shown, the magnetic endportions 3302, 3304 of the support member 3300 can partially connect toeach other with the guidewire 3308 present in the area of junctionbetween the end portions 3302, 3304. Upon removal of the guidewire 3308,the magnetic protruding member 3302 can fully seat within the magneticreceiving member 3304 and thus complete the connection. The guidewire3308 may optionally be pre-curved or otherwise biased toward curvatureto assist in tracking the guidewire around the native leaflets. Incertain embodiments, the pushing member 3320 and/or the guidewire 3308can be manipulated to assist in bringing the magnetic protruding member3302 and magnetic receiving member 3304 into sufficient proximity toestablish a magnetic connection.

FIG. 90 illustrates the implantation of a support member 3400 around thenative mitral valve leaflets via a transapical delivery approach. Thesupport member 3400 comprises a magnetic protruding member 3402, and amagnetic receiving member 3404 having a receiving area 3406 configuredto mate with the magnetic protruding member 3402 as described in detailabove. A transapical delivery system 3416, similar to that shown inFIGS. 53-55 , comprises an introducer sheath 3418 and a deliverycatheter 3420. The delivery catheter 3420 can have a first lumen 3422and a second lumen 3424. A guidewire 3410, which can be pre-curved, isfirst deployed around the native mitral valve chordae tendineae andleaflets in the manner described above in connection with the embodimentof FIGS. 53-55 . The distal end of the guidewire 3410 can be snared andretracted back into the first lumen 3422 of the delivery catheter 3420as described herein.

The support member 3400 can then be advanced over the guidewire 3410.The guidewire 3410 can be pre-curved and/or have sufficient stiffness tosupport the support member 3400 as it is advanced around the nativechordae tendineae and leaflets, such that the leading magnetic endportion 3402 is brought into close proximity with the trailing magneticend portion 3404. When brought into close proximity to one another, themagnetic end portions 3402, 3404 can attract to one another andestablish a magnetic connection. A pusher member 3412 can be advancedfrom the second lumen 3424 to push the support member 3400 along theguidewire 3400. The orientation and location of the magnetic endportions 3402, 3404 may be such that a substantially end-to-endconnection between the magnetic end portions 3402, 3404 of the supportmember is established. The operator can manipulate the pusher member3412 and/or the guidewire 3410 as needed to position the leadingmagnetic end portion 3402 at a location close enough to the trailingmagnetic end portion 3404 where the two end portions can attract eachother and establish a connection. The guidewire 3410 may be retractedout the lumen of the support member 3400 and out the trailing magneticend portion 3404 either just before connecting the end portions 3402,3404 or afterwards.

FIG. 91 shows the support member 3400 implanted around the native mitralvalve chordae tendineae and leaflets and after the delivery system 3416is withdrawn from the body. A prosthetic heart valve can be deployedwithin the native mitral valve such that the native leaflets and chordaetendineae are captured between the support member 3400 and theprosthetic valve as described herein. The support member 3400 desirablyis placed in close proximity to the native annulus, in which case thesupport member 3400 can engage portions of the native mitral valvechordae tendineae and native leaflets. However, the support member 3400can also be placed closer to the papillary muscles, in which case thesupport member 3400 mostly engages the chordae tendineae.

While the descriptions above describe delivery of a support member alonga curved guidewire, it should be understood that other devices can beused to form a ring around the native mitral valve chordae tendineae andleaflets. For example, it may be desirable to deliver a pre-curvedsupport member with magnetic end portions using, optionally, apre-curved catheter or guidewire. Similar to the curved guidewire 1000shown in FIGS. 53-55 , the support member can be pre-curved so that itforms a circular shape and at least partially surrounds the nativechordae tendineae and leaflets. In one embodiment, the curvatures of thesupport member and delivery catheter are such that the distal magneticend portion is led to encircle the valve annulus and directly engage theproximal magnetic end portion.

FIGS. 92-95B show an exemplary “loop delivery system” (LDS) 3500 fordelivering a guidewire 3502 via a transfemoral approach through theaortic arch and the aortic valve annulus into the left ventricle wherethe guidewire 3502 can encircle the native mitral valve leaflets and/orchordae tendineae of the mitral valve. The exemplary loop deliverysystem (LDS) 3500 in the illustrated embodiment comprises a first,outermost steerable arch catheter assembly 3504, a second, steerableleft ventricular (LV) catheter assembly 3506 extending through the firstcatheter assembly 3504, a third catheter assembly 3508 extending throughthe second catheter assembly, and a fourth catheter assembly 3510extending through the third catheter assembly.

The first catheter assembly 3504 comprises a handle 3512 and a first,steerable arch catheter or shaft 3514 extending distally away from thehandle 3512 (towards the heart in use). The handle 3512 furthercomprises an arch catheter rotator knob 3516 configured to steer theshaft 3514 by adjusting the curvature of the shaft 3514. To effectadjustment of the curvature of the shaft, the rotator knob 3516 can beoperatively connected to one or more pull wires extending through theshaft 3514, as known in the art. Rotating the knob 3516 in a firstdirection is effective to increase tension in a pull wire, causing adistal end portion of the shaft 3514 to bend or flex so as to bettertrack the curvature of aortic arch. Rotating the knob 3516 in a seconddirection, opposite the first, is effective to decrease tension in thepull wire, causing the distal end portion of the shaft 3514 to return toa more straightened configuration.

The second catheter assembly 3506 similarly comprises a handle 3518 anda second, steerable catheter or shaft 3520 configured to be inserteddistally through the first catheter assembly 3504. The handle 3518further comprises a rotator knob 3522 that is configured to steer theshaft 3520 by adjusting its curvature, such as by adjusting the tensionin one or more pull wires extending the length of the shaft as describedabove. The length of the shaft 3520 is longer than that of the shaft3514 such that, when the shaft 3520 is fully advanced through the archcatheter assembly 3504 including the shaft 3514, a distal portion of theshaft 3520 extends beyond a distal end of the shaft 3514.

The third catheter assembly 3508 comprises a handle portion 3524 and arespective third catheter or shaft 3526 configured to be inserteddistally through the second catheter assembly 3506 and the firstcatheter assembly 3504. The length of the third shaft 3526 is longerthan the second shaft 3520 and the first shaft 3514 such that, when thesecond shaft 3520 and the third shaft 3526 are both fully inserted, adistal portion of the third shaft 3526 extends beyond a distal end ofthe second shaft 3520. Finally, the fourth catheter assembly 3510comprises a handle portion 3528 and a respective fourth catheter orshaft 3530 configured to be inserted distally through the third catheterassembly 3508, the second catheter assembly 3506, and the first catheterassembly 3504. The length of the fourth shaft 3530 is longer than anyone of the first shaft 3514, the second shaft 3520, and the third shaft3526 such that, when all four catheters are fully inserted, a distalportion of the fourth shaft 3530 extends beyond a distal end of thethird shaft 3520. The third shaft 3526 may be less or equal to about 10French in diameter, such as about 9 French or less, about 8 French orless, or about 7 French or less. The fourth shaft 3530 may be about 6French or less, such as about 5 French or less, about 4 French or less,or about 3 French or less with an internal lumen sized to accommodatethe guidewire 3502. Each of the catheters desirably are configured to bemovable axially or rotatable relative to one another, although one ormore locking mechanisms may be provided to temporarily fix the positionof one catheter relative to another.

An exemplary method for advancing a guidewire 3502 into the heart andusing the loop delivery system 3500 to place the distal end portion ofthe guidewire around the native mitral valve leaflets and/or the chordaetendineae within the left ventricle will now be described. At theoutset, the guidewire 3502 may be delivered into the left ventricle (asshown in FIG. 40 ) or just above the aortic valve (such less than 5 mm,10 mm or 15 mm above the aortic valve) prior to using the loop deliverysystem 3500. A pigtail catheter may be used to advance the guidewire3502 to this position. A pigtail catheter is a long, flexible tube witha coiled end which may stably hold the catheter in place for controlleddelivery of the guidewire 3502. The guidewire 3502 may also be insertedthrough a conventional introducer sheath, such as a 22F sheath, which isinserted into a surgical opening in the femoral artery. In any case, theguidewire 3502 may be inserted through the introducer sheath andadvanced through the aorta until a distal end of the guidewire is in thevicinity of the aortic valve as noted above. A mechanical vessel dilatorand/or pharmaceutical vasodilator may optionally be used prior toinserting the guidewire 3502 and/or the introducer sheath into thefemoral artery, as known in the art.

In particular embodiments, the guidewire 3502 or a portion thereof canbe pre-curved or otherwise biased towards curved configuration whichmay, for example, assist the guidewire 3502 in traversing the curvatureof the aortic arch and/or assist the guidewire 3502 in encircling thechordae tendineae. In other embodiments, the guidewire 3502 is notprecurved or is minimally pre-curved.

Once the guidewire 3502 is advanced to its position such as slightlyabove the aortic valve or in the left ventricle, the LDS 3500 can beinserted into the patient's vasculature (e.g., via the femoral artery)and advanced over the guidewire 3502 until the proximal end of theguidewire 3502 emerges out the proximal end of the fourth catheterassembly 3510 outside the body.

FIG. 94 shows the LDS 3500 advanced distally through an introducer 3536comprising a sheath having a lumen sized to accommodate the largestdiameter catheter of the LDS 3500 (the first shaft 3514). In a preferredembodiment, the guidewire 3502 can also be inserted into the femoralartery via the introducer 3536. The LDS 3500 can be inserted into theintroducer 3536 via a Y-connector 3534 immediately proximal to theintroducer 3536. The Y-connector 3534 can have two inlets 3537, 3538 andone main outlet that extend coaxially into the introducer 3536. The LDS3500 can be inserted through the first inlet 3537, leaving the secondinlet 3538 temporarily unoccupied. The second inlet 3538 can be reservedfor insertion and removal of a snare catheter 3540 used to ensnare theguidewire 3502, as further discussed below.

When the LDS 3500 is advanced over the guidewire 3502, all four catheterassemblies 3504, 3506, 3508, 3510 can be advanced together over theguidewire through the patient's vasculature. Preferably, although notnecessarily, the shafts of the catheter assemblies are non-advanced oronly partially advanced relative to the each other when advanced overthe guidewire such that the distal end of the second shaft 3520 iswithin the first shaft 3514, the third shaft 3526 is within the secondshaft 3520, and the fourth shaft 3530 is within the third shaft 3526.Thus, in this initial position of the LDS 3502, the second, third andfourth shafts desirably are not yet advanced distally from each otherand from the first shaft 3514. While advancing the LDS 3500 over theguidewire and through the aortic arch, the rotator knob 3516 may berotated as needed to adjust the curvature of the first shaft 3514 (aswell as the second, third, and fourth shafts within the first shaft) toassist in steering the LDS through the aortic arch. Desirably, thecurvature of the LDS is adjusted such that a distal end 3532 of thefourth shaft 3530 is aligned with the center of the aortic valve as theLDS is advanced toward the aortic root. In an alternative approach, eachcatheter assembly can be advanced individually over the guidewire 3502,starting with the first catheter assembly 3504, followed by the secondcatheter assembly 3506 being inserted through the first catheterassembly 3504, and so on until all four shafts 3514, 3520, 3526, 3530extend through the aortic arc and the distal ends of all four shafts arein or adjacent the aortic root.

Once the distal end of the LDS 3500 is in position over the aorticvalve, the individual shafts 3514, 3520, 3526, 3530 can be individuallyadvanced from each other (and torqued as needed) in a precise mannerthrough the left ventricle to facilitate encircling of the native mitralvalve chordae tendineae and leaflets by the guidewire 3502. FIG. 93shows a deployed position of the catheter assemblies that facilitatesencircling of the native mitral valve chordae tendineae and leaflets bythe guidewire 3502. As shown in FIG. 93 , a distal end portion of thesecond shaft 3520 extends from the first shaft 3514, a distal endportion of the third shaft 3526 extends from the second shaft 3520, anda distal end portion of the fourth shaft 3530 extends from the thirdshaft 3526. In FIG. 93 , the anatomy of the heart is omitted forpurposes of illustration.

One specific approach for advancing the catheter assemblies relative toeach other into the deployed position shown in FIG. 93 extending throughthe left ventricle is as follows. Once the distal end 3532 of the fourthshaft 3530 is advanced into the vicinity of the aortic valve such aswithin 15 mm, within 12 mm, or within 10 mm of the aortic valve, thefourth shaft 3530 and the third shaft 3526 may be advanced to cross theaortic valve and enter into the left ventricle. The arch catheterrotator knob 3516 may be adjusted in conjunction with, such asimmediately prior to or simultaneous with, the insertion of the thirdand fourth shafts 3526, 3530 such that the distal end 3532 of the fourthshaft 3530 is pointed towards the center of the aortic valve. Once thethird and fourth shafts 3526, 3530 are inserted into the left ventricle,the second shaft 3520 (also referred to as the LV shaft below) may beadvanced to cross the aortic valve, using the distal portion of thethird shaft 3526 as a guide. In particular embodiments, a lockingmechanism can be provided to temporarily fix the third and fourth shafts3526, 3530 relative to each other during advancement of the LV shaft3520 to prevent errant movement which may cause injury to an anatomicalstructure such as the left ventricular wall.

Once the LV shaft 3520 has entered the left ventricle, the guidewire3502, the third and fourth shafts 3526, 3530 are preferably eachwithdrawn into the LV shaft 3520, such as withdrawn fully inside the LVcatheter 3520. In certain embodiments, the withdrawal is such that noportion of the guidewire or shafts 3526, 3530 are present in the distalabout 10 mm of the LV shaft 3520. Once the advancing LV shaft 3520travels a sufficient distance into the left ventricle such as 10 mm, 15mm or 20 mm below the aortic valve, the LV catheter rotator 3522 may beadjusted to angle the LV shaft 3520 such that as the LV shaft 3520 isadvanced further, it runs approximately parallel to the plane of themitral valve annulus. The LV shaft 3520 may be directed towards theleft. The third shaft 3526 and the guidewire 3502 (which preferablyleads the third shaft 3526 by at least 10 mm) may then be advanced outof the LV shaft 3520 such that the side of the third shaft 3526 slidesalong the left ventricular wall (e.g., in proximity to the wall) and, inone embodiment, crosses the posterior-medial papillary muscle. Theguidewire 3502 may then be further advanced out of the third shaft 3526away from the ventricular wall in the direction of the mitral annulusand may at least partially encircle the mitral valve annulus.

To complete the loop, the fourth shaft 3530 may then be advanced toaugment the path of the guidewire 3502 such that the guidewire 3502 cantightly encircle the mitral valve annulus, exit the left ventricle andextend through aortic arch and down to the descending aorta. After thefourth shaft is advanced, the guidewire 3502 is advanced further and,through manipulation of both the fourth shaft 3530 and the guidewire3502, the guidewire 3502 may fully encircle the mitral valve annulus andexit the left ventricle through the aortic valve as shown in FIG. 95A.FIG. 95A shows an exemplary final position of the LDS 3500 with allcatheters advanced to their final positions and the guidewire 3502advanced around the chordae tendineae, back through the aortic valve andinto the descending aorta where the guidewire 3502 may be ensnared by asnare catheter 3540. The guidewire 3502 may be torqued as needed to aidin encircling the mitral valve annulus and/or exiting the leftventricle.

In other embodiments, the guidewire 3502 can be inserted to partiallyencircle the native mitral valve leaflets and/or chordae tendineaewithout the aid of the LDS 3500, and then the LDS 3500 can be advancedto assist the guidewire 3502 in fully encircling the native mitral valveleaflets and/or chordae tendineae and returning into the aortic arch. Inyet another embodiment, the guidewire 3502 can be manually inserted tofully encircle the native mitral valve leaflets and/or chordae tendineaewithout the aid of the LDS 3500, and the LDS 3500 is only then advancedto assist the guidewire 3502 in returning into the aortic arch.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first shaft 3514 has the greateststiffness of the shafts of the LDS 3500, the second shaft 3520 isrelatively less stiff and more flexible than the first shaft 3514, thethird shaft 3526 is relatively less stiff and more flexible than thesecond shaft 3520, and the fourth shaft 3530 is relatively less stiffand more flexible than the third shaft 3526. The varying flexibility ofthe shafts assists in advancing the shafts relative to each other in apath extending around the chordae tendineae. In their normal,non-deflected state in the absence of any outside forces, each of theshafts 3514, 3520, 3526, 3530 can be generally straight but hassufficient flexibility to be manipulated into a curved configuration inthe manner shown in FIG. 93 . In alternative embodiments, the distal endportions of one or more of shafts 3520, 3526, 3530 can be pre-curved soas to assume a predetermined curved configuration once deployed from alarger shaft. For example, the distal end portion of the second shaft3520 can have sufficient flexibility to conform to the shape of thefirst shaft 3514 when constrained by the first shaft 3514 but assumes apre-determined curved configuration (e.g., the curved shape shown inFIG. 93 ) when deployed from the first shaft; the distal end portion ofthe third shaft 3526 can have sufficient flexibility to conform to theshape of the second shaft 3520 when constrained by the second shaft 3520but assumes a pre-determined curved configuration (e.g., the curvedshape shown in FIG. 93 ) when deployed from the second shaft; and thedistal end portion of the fourth shaft 3530 can have sufficientflexibility to conform to the shape of the third shaft 3526 whenconstrained by the third shaft 3526 but assumes a pre-determined curvedconfiguration (e.g., the curved shape shown in FIG. 93 ) when deployedfrom the third shaft. It should be noted that the relatively flexibilityand/or the particular curvature (or lack thereof) of any of the shaftscan be varied as desired for different applications or embodiments.

In other embodiments, additional or fewer catheters may be used to helpthe guidewire 3502 encircle the mitral valve leaflets and return intothe aorta through the aortic valve. For example, additional cathetershaft(s) that can extend distally from the fourth shaft 3530 can augmentthe path of the guidewire 3502. In one specific embodiment, for example,the fourth shaft 3530 assists the guidewire 3502 in encircling thechordae tendineae and a fifth shaft of a fifth catheter extends distallyfrom the fourth shaft 3530 to assist in directing the guidewire 3502back towards the aortic valve to enter the aortic arch and descendingaorta.

As shown in FIGS. 95A-95B, once the guidewire 3502 has encircled thenative mitral valve leaflets and/or the chordae tendineae (andpreferably once it has been returned into the descending aorta), a snarecatheter 3540 may be used to ensnare the guidewire 3502 and retract thedistal end of the guidewire outside of the patient's body so that bothends of the guidewire can be manipulated by the surgeon. To initiate theprocess of ensnaring the guidewire 3502, the snare catheter 3540 may beinserted into an unoccupied inlet 3538 of the Y-connector 3534 (see FIG.94 ), while the LDS occupies the other inlet 3537 of the Y-connector3534. In FIG. 94 , the snare catheter 3540 is depicted as beingrelatively larger in diameter than the inlet port 3538 for purposes ofillustration. However, it should be understood that the snare catheter3540 is of a size and shape that is can be inserted through theY-connector 3534 via the inlet port 3538, through the introducer 3536,and into the patient's vasculature alongside the first shaft 3514 (FIG.95A).

As shown in FIGS. 94 and 95B, the snare catheter 3540 in the illustratedembodiment comprises a sheath 3542 and a snare wire 3544 comprising aloop 3546 sized and shaped to receive securely hold the distal end ofthe guidewire 3502. The snare catheter 3540 can be used to capture theend of the guidewire at any convenient place within the patient'svasculature, such as within the descending aorta. Accordingly, as shownin FIG. 95A, the guidewire 3502 can be advanced until a distal endportion 3550 extends into the descending aorta, while the sheath 3542can be advanced through the patient's vasculature until the distal endof the sheath is also within the descending aorta proximate the distalend portion 3550. The loop 3546 can then be advanced from the sheath3542, and the loop 3546 and the guidewire 3502 can be manipulated toinsert the distal end portion 3550 through the loop 3546.

The snare wire 3544 may then be retracted proximally into the sheath3542. Desirably, although not necessarily, the snare wire 3544 isretracted sufficiently into the sheath 3542 so as to also retract thedistal end portion 3550 of the guidewire into the sheath such that thedistal end portion 3550 is folded onto itself as it is pulled into thesheath (as depicted in FIG. 94 ). Once the distal end portion 3550 isretracted into the sheath 3542, the sheath can then be retracted fromthe body, which is effective to pull the distal end portion 3550 of theguidewire outwardly through the Y-connector 3534 and out of the body, asshown in FIG. 94 .

While pulling the distal end of the guidewire 3502 out proximally,maintenance of a tight loop formed by the guidewire 3502 around thechordae tendineae is desirable, however excessive tightening of the looparound the chordae and native leaflets may be avoided by incrementallyfeeding the proximal end of the guidewire 3502 as the snare catheter isretracted. In the illustrated embodiment, the distal end portion 3550 ofthe guidewire is pulled into the sheath 3542, although this is notrequired. In an alternative embodiment, the distal end portion 3550 ofthe guidewire 3502 can be held or pinned against the distal end of thesheath 3542 by the snare sire 3544 as the sheath and the guidewire areremoved from the body. The step of ensnaring the guidewire can occur atvarious locations in the patient's vasculature, such as in the leftventricle (such as adjacent to the aortic valve or at a point around themitral valve annulus), in the aortic arch or in the descending aorta.

In alternative embodiments, the guidewire 3502 may be manipulatedwithout the aid of the loop delivery system 3500 by an experiencedsurgeon or technician to encircle the native mitral valve leafletsand/or the chordae tendineae. For example, the guidewire can bemanipulated to encircle the native mitral valve leaflets and/or thechordae tendineae and return back through the aortic valve into theaorta (as shown in FIG. 41 ) or further into the descending aorta, wherea distal end of the guidewire 3502 may be ensnared by a snare catheter3540. In another implementation, the guidewire 3502 can be manipulatedto partially encircle the native mitral valve leaflets and/or thechordae tendineae, and the snare catheter 3540 can be used to snare thedistal end of the guidewire in the left ventricle and then retract thedistal end of the guidewire brought back through the aortic valve andinto the aortic arch. If desired, the snare catheter 3540 can besteerable, similar to catheter assemblies 3504 and 3506, to assist insteering the sheath 3542 through the descending aorta, the aortic arch,and/or the aortic valve.

FIGS. 96-100B show an exemplary ring delivery system 3600 (“RDS”) thatcan be used to deliver a support member along a guidewire to encirclethe native mitral valve leaflets and/or the chordae tendineae. The ringdelivery system 3600 in the illustrated embodiment comprises a covercatheter assembly 3604 (FIG. 96 ), a ring catheter assembly 3606 (FIG.97 ), a stiffener catheter assembly 3608 (FIG. 98 ) and a twistercatheter assembly 3610 (FIG. 99A). The cover catheter assembly 3604 inthe illustrated embodiment comprises a proximal base or handle portion3612, an elongated shaft 3614 extending from the handle portion 3612, adistal sheath 3616 at the distal end of the shaft, and a rotatablesteering knob 3618 on the handle portion 3614. The steering knob 3618 isconfigured to control the curvature of the shaft 3614 to assist inguiding the shaft through the aortic arch.

The ring catheter assembly 3606 in the illustrated embodiment comprisesa proximal base or handle portion 3620, an elongated shaft 3622extending from the handle portion 3620, a coupling or retaining device3624 for releasably retaining a support member at the distal end of thering catheter assembly, and a rotatable steering knob 3626 that controlsthe curvature of the shaft 3622. The handle portion 3620 can have afirst inlet port 3628 and a second inlet port 3630, both of which are incommunication with one or more lumens extending the length of the shaft3622.

The stiffener assembly 3608 is designed to provide stiffness to asupport member (e.g., a support member 3602 shown in FIG. 101 ) duringdeployment to facilitate improved positioning in the sub-annular area.The stiffener assembly 3608 in the illustrated embodiment comprises ahandle portion 3632 and first and second shafts 3634, 3636,respectively, extending from the handle portion 3632. An outer sleeve3638 can extend partially or entirely over the first and second shafts3634, 3636. Each shaft 3634, 3636 has a respective lumen, which may becoated with a low-frictional material, such as PTFE. The dual lumens ofthe stiffener catheter assembly enable orderly exchange of the firstguidewire 3502 for a second, stiffer guidewire 3626 on which the supportmember 3602 can be delivered, as further described below.

The twister catheter assembly 3610 comprises a handle portion 3640, anelongated shaft 3642, and an end cap, or nose cone, 3644 covering thedistal end of the shaft 3642. The shaft 3642 can comprise multiplebores/lumens. A first lumen of the shaft 3642 may accommodate the secondguidewire 3650 and can be larger than a second lumen of the shaft 3642that accommodates the first guidewire 3502. As shown in FIG. 99B, theend cap 3644 can have a first outlet opening 3646 in communication withthe first lumen of the shaft 3642 and a second outlet opening 3648 incommunication with the second lumen of the shaft 3642.

As shown in FIGS. 100A and 100B, the shaft 3622 of the ring catheterassembly 3606 extends through the shaft 3614 of the cover catheterassembly 3604; the shafts 3634, 3636 of the stiffener catheter assembly3608 extend through the shaft 3622 of the ring catheter assembly; andthe shaft 3642 of the twister catheter assembly 3610 extends through thefirst shaft 3634 of the stiffener catheter assembly 3608. Each of thecatheter assemblies, 3604, 3606, 3608, 3610 and their respective shaftsdesirably are movable longitudinally and rotationally relative to eachother.

In use, one end of a support member (e.g., a support member 3602 in theillustrated example) is connected the retaining device 3624 of the ringcatheter assembly 3606 and is positioned within the sheath 3616 of thecover catheter assembly 3604. An end portion 3652 of the support member3602 (FIG. 101 ) can be releasably connected to the retaining device3624, such as by a release wire that extends through the end portion3652, the retaining device 3624, and the shaft 3622 and has a proximalend portion accessible at the handle 3620. The handle 3620 can have anactuator or control device that is operatively connected to the releasewire so as to allow an operator to pull the release wire and disconnectthe support member from the retaining device 3624 after the supportmember is deployed around the native mitral valve leaflets.

After loading the support member 3602 in the RDS 3600, the RDS 3600 canbe introduced into the patient's vasculature via the introducer 3536 andadvanced over the guidewire 3502 (previously positioned in the body andencircling the native mitral valve leaflets and/or the chordaetendineae). The catheter assemblies 3604, 3606, 3608, 3610 can beadvanced together over the guidewire 3502 through the aortic arch untilthe distal sheath 3616 is slightly above the aortic valve or has justcrossed the aortic valve and entered the left ventricle. The guidewire3502 desirably extends through the second opening 3648 of the twistercatheter shaft 3642. The cover catheter steering knob 3618 can be usedto track the ring delivery system 3600 around the aortic arch andtowards the left ventricle as well as to point the ring delivery system3600 towards the center of the aortic valve.

The stiffener catheter shaft 3634 can then be advanced further distallyover the guidewire 3502 to encircle the mitral valve leaflets, includingthe chordae just below the mitral valve, but need not exit the leftventricle. The twister catheter shaft 3642 can be advanced together withthe stiffener catheter shaft 3634 over the guidewire 3502 through theleft ventricle. Once the stiffener catheter shaft 3634 (and optionallythe twister catheter shaft 3642) has been delivered to the leftventricle, the second, stiffer guidewire 3650 (FIG. 101 ) can beinserted through the ring delivery system 3600 and specifically into andthrough stiffener catheter assembly 3608 and through the first opening3646 of the twister catheter shaft 3642. The second guidewire 3650 canbe inserted through the second shaft 3636, and then into and through thefirst shaft 3634 via an aperture extending between the lumens of eachshaft. The second guidewire 3650 can be advanced distally through thestiffener catheter shaft 3634 to encircle the native mitral valveleaflets and/or the chordae tendineae and then back through the aorticvalve. The second guidewire 3650 can be further advanced until itsdistal end is positioned in the descending aorta near the entry point ofthe introducer 3536. As noted above, the second guidewire 3650 extendsthrough opening 3646 and the first guidewire 3502 extends throughopening 3648 of the twister catheter shaft 3642. If needed, the twistercatheter shaft 3642 can be manipulated to unwind any twists of the firstguidewire 3502 around the second guidewire 3650, such as by torqueing,pushing and/or pulling the shaft 3642 along the lengths of theguidewires 3502, 3650.

Once the second guidewire 3650 is in place around the native mitralvalve leaflets and/or the chordae tendineae, the first guidewire 3502can be completely removed from the body, and the twister catheterassembly 3610 can be retracted from the left ventricle or completelyremoved from the body. The stiffener catheter assembly 3608 can remainin the left ventricle to support the support member 3602 as it tracksthe path of the second guidewire 3650 around the native leaflets. FIG.101 shows the second guidewire 3650 after it has formed a loop aroundthe native mitral valve leaflets and/or the chordae tendineae and thetwister catheter assembly 3610 has been retracted (the heart anatomy isomitted for purposes of illustration).

As shown in FIG. 101 , with reference to FIGS. 100A and 100B, thesupport member 3602 can be deployed from the sheath 3616 by pushing thering catheter assembly 3606 distally over the second guidewire 3650. Inthis manner, the ring catheter assembly 3606 serves a pushing member forthe support member 3602. The ring catheter assembly 3606 is advanced topush the support member 3602 over the second guidewire 3650 and aroundthe native mitral valve leaflets and/or the chordae tendineae. The ringcatheter steering knob 3626 can be adjusted to steer the ring cathetershaft 3622 as needed to follow the path of the second guidewire to forma ring.

In the embodiment shown, the support member 3602 comprises a magneticreceiving member 3652 and a protruding member 3654 configured tomagnetically couple to the magnetic receiving member 3652 in the mannerdescribed above. Upon encircling the mitral valve leaflets and/or thechordae tendineae magnetic end portions 3652, 3654 of the support member3602 can connect to each other. In particular, the circular path of thesecond guidewire 3650 around the mitral valve leaflets and/or thechordae tendineae may be such that once the support member 3602 is fullydeployed upon the second guidewire 3650 to encircle the mitral valveleaflets (and/or the chordae tendineae), the magnetic end portions 3652,3654 of the support member 3602 are in sufficient proximity to form amagnetic connection. The operator can manipulate of the second guidewire3650, the stiffener catheter shaft 3638, and/or the ring catheter shaft3622 to bring the magnetic end portions 3652, 3654 into sufficientproximity to each other to form a magnetic connection.

In alternative embodiments, to facilitate connecting the end portions3652, 3654, the magnetic receiving member 3652 can have a magneticreceiving area facing a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis ofthe support member 3602. For example, the magnetic receiving area may belocated on a side of the magnetic receiving member 3652 rather than atits end so that it is facing the magnetic protruding member 3654 as thelatter is advanced along the second guidewire 3650 back toward themagnetic receiving member 3652.

In any case, once a connection is formed between the end portions 3652,3654, the release wire connecting the retaining device 3624 to the endportion 3652 can be retracted, causing the support ring 3602 todisconnect from the retaining device 3624. Thereafter, the covercatheter assembly 3604, the ring catheter assembly 3606, and thestiffener catheter assembly 3608 can be retracted and removed from thebody, followed by the second guidewire 3650, leaving the support member3602 in the left ventricle surrounding the native mitral valve leafletsand/or the chordae tendineae (as depicted in FIG. 91 ). A prostheticheart valve can then be implanted within the native mitral valve suchthat the native leaflets and/or chordae tendineae are captured betweenthe prosthetic valve and the support member 3602 (such as depicted inFIG. 47 ).

In the illustrated embodiment, the support member 3602 has a guidewirelumen that extends through the portions of the magnetic protrudingmember and the magnetic receiving member that contact each other whenthe ring is formed. The guidewire 3650 can be removed from the supportmember 3602 by sliding an end of the guidewire out from the junctionbetween the magnetic protruding member and the magnetic receivingmember. In alternative embodiments, the guidewire lumen of the supportmember 3602 can extend through respective openings in the magneticprotruding member 3654 and the magnetic receiving member 3652 that areexposed when the protruding member and the receiving member contact andmagnetically connect to each other such that the guidewire 3650 does notextend between mating surfaces of the protruding member and thereceiving member. Still alternatively, the guidewire 3650 can extendthrough a guidewire lumen that has an inlet opening in the main body ofthe support member adjacent the trailing end of the magnetic receivingmember 3652 and an outlet opening in the main body of the support memberadjacent the leading end of the magnetic protruding member 3654 (suchthat the guidewire does not extend through the magnetic end portions3652, 3654).

In particular embodiments, the support member 3602 can comprise aninflatable balloon or other fillable volume and the ring delivery system3600 can be adapted to allow for filling of the support member 3602 onceit is deployed around the native leaflets or at some convenient locationwithin the patient's vasculature prior to being deployed around thenative valve chordae tendineae and/or native leaflets. The ring deliverysystem 3600 can comprise a filling catheter or nozzle connected to aninternal lumen of the support member 3602. The filling catheter can beintegrated into the ring catheter assembly 3606 such that a liquid(e.g., sterile saline), gas, or a curable filling material can beinjected into the support member 3602 under pressure or via gravity. Thering catheter handle 3620 and/or the cover catheter handle 3612 cancomprise a filling nozzle which is connected to a filling catheter. Invarious embodiments, the ring catheter 3606 can serve as a fillingcatheter for the support member 3602. The ring catheter shaft 3622 cancomprise a lumen fluidly connected by, for example, a port or valve to alumen inside the support member 3602. The support member 3602 can alsobe filled prior to being introduced into the body and loaded onto thering delivery system 3600.

It should be noted that the loop delivery system and the ring deliverysystem are described in the context of implanting a support memberhaving magnetically connectable end portions, although this not need bethe case. Indeed, the loop delivery system and the ring delivery systemcan be used to implant support members having other types of connectiondevices, including a support member mechanically interlocking endportions, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 58 .

Having illustrated and described the principles of the disclosedtechnology, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that thedisclosed embodiments can be modified in arrangement and detail withoutdeparting from such principles. In view of the many possible embodimentsto which the principles of the disclosed technologies can be applied, itshould be recognized that the illustrated embodiments are only preferredexamples of the technologies and should not be taken as limiting thescope of the invention. Rather, the scope of the invention is defined bythe following claims and their equivalents. We therefore claim all thatcomes within the scope and spirit of these claims.

We claim:
 1. A method, comprising: advancing a delivery assembly througha patient's vasculature toward a native heart valve of the patient,wherein the delivery assembly comprises a first catheter assembly and asecond catheter assembly extending through a shaft of the first catheterassembly, wherein an implantable support member is releasably connectedto a retaining device located at a distal end of a shaft of the secondcatheter assembly and positioned within a sheath at a distal end of theshaft of the first catheter, and wherein the support member comprisesfirst and second opposing ends, and a longitudinal axis extending fromthe first end to the second end, wherein the support member is in anuncoiled, elongated configuration within the sheath; advancing thedelivery assembly over a previously inserted guidewire encircling anative chordae tendineae and/or native leaflets, and exchanging thepreviously inserted guidewire with a new guidewire encircling the nativechordae tendineae and/or the native leaflets, wherein the new guidewireis stiffer than the previously inserted guidewire; deploying the supportmember from the sheath by pushing the second catheter assembly distallyrelative to the first catheter assembly so that the support member isuncovered by the sheath and the support member extends around the nativechordae tendineae and/or the native leaflets of the native heart valve;and implanting a prosthetic valve within the native leaflets of thenative heart valve such that the native chordae tendineae and/or nativeleaflets are frictionally engaged between the support member and theprosthetic valve.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein advancing thedelivery assembly through a patient's vasculature comprises rotating asteering knob located on a handle of the first catheter assembly,wherein the steering knob is configured to control a curvature of theshaft of the first catheter assembly to assist in guiding the shaftthrough the patient's vasculature.
 3. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising releasing the support member from the retaining device. 4.The method of claim 3, further comprising retracting the first catheterassembly and the second catheter assembly from the patient's vasculatureafter the support member extends around the native chordae tendineaeand/or native leaflets.
 5. The method of claim 3, wherein the first endof the support member is releasably connected to a distal end portion ofa release wire and wherein releasing the support member from theretaining device comprises retracting the release wire in a proximaldirection.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein a proximal end portion ofthe release wire is operatively connecting to an actuator on a handle ofthe second catheter assembly.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein thefirst catheter assembly comprises a first handle and the second catheterassembly comprises a second handle located proximal to the first handle.8. The method of claim 1, wherein after deploying the support memberfrom the sheath such that the support member extends around the nativechordae tendineae and/or native leaflets, connecting the first end ofthe support member to the second end of the support member.
 9. Themethod of claim 8, wherein the support member comprises first and secondmagnetic end portions respectively coupled to the first and second endsof the support member, and wherein connecting the first and second endsof the support member comprises bringing the first and second magneticportions into sufficient proximity to each other such that the first andsecond magnetic portions are magnetically joined together to transformthe support member into a support ring.
 10. The method of claim 1,wherein exchanging the previously inserted guidewire with the newguidewire comprises inserting a third delivery assembly through thesecond delivery assembly, and advancing a first shaft of the thirddelivery assembly over the previously inserted guidewire in a distaldirection relative to the shaft of the second delivery assembly untilthe first shaft of the third delivery assembly encircles the nativechordae tendineae and/or native leaflets.
 11. The method of claim 10,wherein exchanging the previously inserted guidewire with the newguidewire further comprises inserting the new guidewire through a secondshaft of the third delivery assembly, and then into and through thefirst shaft of the third delivery assembly via an aperture extendingbetween respective lumens of the first and second shafts.
 12. The methodof claim 11, wherein exchanging the previously inserted guidewire withthe new guidewire further comprises advancing the new guidewire distallythrough the first shaft of the third delivery assembly to encircle thenative chordae tendineae and/or native leaflets.
 13. The method of claim12, wherein exchanging the previously inserted guidewire with the newguidewire further comprises removing the previously inserted guidewirefrom the patient's vasculature after the new guidewire encircles thenative chordae tendineae and/or native leaflets.
 14. The method of claim10, wherein exchanging the previously inserted guidewire with the newguidewire further comprises inserting a shaft of a fourth catheterassembly through the first shaft of the third catheter assembly, whereinthe shaft of the fourth catheter assembly comprises a first lumen and asecond lumen, wherein the first lumen is configured to receive the newguidewire, and the second lumen is configured to receive the previouslyinserted guidewire.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein exchanging thepreviously inserted guidewire with the new guidewire further comprisesmanipulating the shaft of the fourth catheter assembly to unwind anytwists of the previously inserted guidewire around the new guidewire.16. The method of claim 1, further comprising inflating the supportmember by injecting a filling material into an inflatable portion of thesupport member through a lumen of the second catheter assembly after thesupport member extends around the native chordae tendineae and/or thenative leaflets.
 17. A method, comprising: advancing a delivery assemblythrough a patient's vasculature toward a native heart valve, wherein thedelivery assembly comprises a first catheter assembly and a secondcatheter assembly extending through a shaft of the first catheterassembly, wherein a support member is releasably connected to aretaining device located at a distal end of a shaft of the secondcatheter assembly and positioned within a sheath at a distal end of theshaft of the first catheter, and wherein the support member comprises aflexible elongated body having first and second ends and first andsecond magnetic end portions respectively coupled to the first andsecond ends of the body, wherein the support member is in an uncoiled,elongated configuration within the sheath; advancing the deliveryassembly over a previously inserted guidewire encircling a nativechordae tendineae and/or native leaflets, and exchanging the previouslyinserted guidewire with a new guidewire encircling the native chordaetendineae and/or the native leaflets, wherein the new guidewire isstiffer than the previously inserted guidewire; deploying the supportmember from the sheath by pushing the second catheter assembly distallyrelative to the first catheter assembly such that the support memberextends around the native chordae tendineae and/or the native leafletsof the native heart valve; bringing the first and second magneticportions into sufficient proximity to each other such that the first andsecond magnetic portions are magnetically joined together to transformthe support member into a support ring; and implanting a prostheticvalve within the leaflets of the native heart valve such that the nativechordae tendineae and/or native leaflets are frictionally engagedbetween the support ring and the prosthetic valve.
 18. The method ofclaim 17, further comprising, prior to the act of advancing, mountingthe support member to the second catheter assembly by connecting thefirst end of the flexible elongated body to a release wire, wherein therelease wire extends through the retaining device and the shaft of thesecond catheter assembly.
 19. The method of claim 18, furthercomprising, after the act of deploying the support member from thesheath, releasing the support member from the retaining device byretracting the release wire in a proximal direction.
 20. A method,comprising: advancing a delivery assembly through a patient'svasculature over a first guidewire encircling a native chordae tendineaeand/or native leaflets of a native heart valve of the patient, whereinthe delivery assembly comprises a first catheter assembly and a secondcatheter assembly extending through a shaft of the first catheterassembly, wherein a support member is releasably connected to aretaining device located at a distal end of a shaft of the secondcatheter assembly and positioned within a sheath at a distal end of theshaft of the first catheter, and wherein the support member comprises aflexible elongated body having first and second opposing ends;exchanging the first guidewire with a second guidewire encircling thenative chordae tendineae and/or leaflets of the native heart valve,wherein the second guidewire is stiffer than the first guidewire; anddeploying the support member from the sheath by pushing the secondcatheter assembly over the second guidewire in a distal directionrelative to the first catheter assembly; and implanting a prostheticvalve within the native leaflets of the native heart valve such that thenative chordae tendineae and/or native leaflets are frictionally engagedbetween the support member and the prosthetic valve.
 21. The method ofclaim 20, further comprising connecting the first and second ends of thesupport member so that the support member encircles the native chordaetendineae and/or native leaflets.